Chris Urmson, the CEO of Aurora Innovation, is a well-respected leader in the autonomous vehicle industry. He co-founded Aurora in 2017 after a successful stint at Google, where he played a major role in developing their self-driving technology. He holds...

Chris Urmson, the CEO of Aurora Innovation, is a well-respected leader in the autonomous vehicle industry. He co-founded Aurora in 2017 after a successful stint at Google, where he played a major role in developing their self-driving technology. He holds a Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University and has extensive experience in automated vehicle programs, including leading Carnegie Mellon’s DARPA Grand Challenge teams. Urmson's leadership style combines hands-on engineering knowledge with business acumen. Under his guidance, Aurora is making strides in self-driving technology. His current compensation package for 2023 is $687,462, which includes a salary and a performance-based bonus. Interestingly, Urmson has a significant stake in Aurora; however, he hasn't received new stock awards in recent years since his existing shares are viewed as sufficient. This reflects his belief in the company and aligns his interests with shareholders. Additionally, he's been a prolific inventor, having authored over 50 publications. Urmson is not just about technology; he actively engages with academia, serving on advisory boards, further blending the realms of education and technology in practical ways. He exemplifies commitment with his hands-on approach while focusing on pushing the boundaries of what's possible with self-driving cars.