The professional story of Balaji Krishnamurthy begins with a strong academic foundation rooted in technology and analytical thinking. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communications from the Manipal Institute of Technology. This technical education helped him develop structured problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and a deep appreciation for innovation—qualities that would later prove invaluable in navigating the financial complexities of a global technology company.
Recognising the importance of business strategy and leadership, he pursued an MBA at the Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurugram. During this time, he also participated in an exchange program at Copenhagen Business School, gaining international exposure and a broader understanding of global markets and cross-cultural business dynamics.
His commitment to professional excellence was further reflected in earning the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and completing the CFO Leadership Program at Harvard Business School in February 2025—an experience that sharpened his executive leadership capabilities.
Early Career of Balaji Krishnamurthy: Building a Diverse Financial Skill Set
Before joining major global institutions, Balaji Krishnamurthy accumulated valuable experience across multiple roles that broadened his perspective on financial strategy and operations.
He worked at Info Edge India (Naukri.com), gaining exposure to the dynamics of internet-driven businesses. At iTrust Financial Advisors, he handled wealth management responsibilities, learning firsthand how investment strategies impact individuals and organizations. His tenure at Irevna, a CRISIL company, involved research analysis focused on EMEA petrochemicals.
Goldman Sachs Years: Mastering Global Equity Research
Balaji Krishnamurthy’s career took a major leap when he joined Goldman Sachs in 2011. Over more than eight years as Vice President in Equity Research, he covered the US hardware and communications technology sectors—industries experiencing rapid innovation and disruption.
This role required constant engagement with emerging technologies, corporate strategies, and market dynamics. He built strong relationships with institutional investors while honing the ability to analyze complex financial models and forecast industry trends.
Balaji Krishnamurthy: Joining Uber – A Strategic Architect Behind the Scenes (2019–Present)
Balaji Krishnamurthy joined Uber in 2019 during a pivotal phase in the company’s evolution. The ride-hailing giant was transitioning from a hyper-growth startup into a mature global enterprise focused on operational efficiency and profitability.
Leadership in Mobility and Delivery Finance
As Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Mobility and Delivery, he oversaw strategic finance teams and managed profit-and-loss responsibilities for Uber’s core businesses—Uber rides and Uber Eats. His work required balancing growth initiatives with financial discipline in highly competitive markets.
Head of Investor Relations (2020–2023)
During a challenging period marked by global economic shifts and pandemic-driven disruptions, Balaji Krishnamurthy led investor communications. He played a central role in building trust with shareholders and articulating Uber’s path toward profitability and long-term sustainability.
VP, Strategic Finance & Investor Relations (2025–2026)
From January 2025, he spearheaded capital allocation, financial planning, and Uber’s autonomous vehicle strategy. His involvement included evaluating investments in robotaxi technologies and partnerships with self-driving software firms—demonstrating his ability to integrate financial strategy with cutting-edge innovation.
Board Leadership and Industry Influence
In September 2024, Balaji Krishnamurthy joined the board of Waabi, an AI-driven autonomous trucking startup. This role reflects his growing influence in the emerging world of autonomous mobility and artificial intelligence.
Serving on Waabi’s board allows him to stay at the forefront of technological advancements while contributing strategic financial insights to next-generation transportation solutions.
Appointment as Uber’s Chief Financial Officer (2026): A Defining Moment
Uber’s announcement naming Balaji Krishnamurthy as Chief Financial Officer marked a defining milestone in his career. He succeeded Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah after nearly three years in the role.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi praised him as a trusted leader who understands the company’s operations deeply and brings decisive strategic thinking. His promotion reflects years of collaboration with Uber’s leadership team and a proven ability to guide the company through financial transformation.
In his own words, Balaji Krishnamurthy emphasised Uber’s opportunity to strengthen its position as a generational technology company, highlighting the importance of strong cash flows and disciplined investment strategies.
Compensation and Executive Responsibilities
As CFO, his compensation package reflects both immediate responsibility and long-term accountability:
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Base Salary: $600,000 annually
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One-Time Equity Award: $5 million in restricted stock units
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Performance-Based RSUs: Approximately $9.4 million
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Stock Options: Valued at $3.1 million