A New CFO at Uber
Uber just announced that Balaji Krishnamurthy will become its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) starting February 16, 2026. He’s replacing Prashant Mahendra-Rajah and is currently Uber’s Vice President of Strategic Finance.
Balaji’s Background
Krishnamurthy moved to the U.S. from India in 2011 on an H-1B visa while working for Goldman Sachs. He joined Uber six years ago and has been a key player in finance and investor relations. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi praised him as a “brilliant and determined strategist” who knows the company “inside and out.”
The H-1B Visa Controversy
His appointment comes during heated debates about H-1B visas. This program lets U.S. companies hire skilled foreign workers, but critics claim some businesses misuse it to replace American jobs with cheaper labor.
Crackdowns and Freezes
Florida and Texas recently banned state agencies and universities from hiring H-1B visa holders. The U.S. government also added a $100,000 fee for companies using the visa, arguing it should only be for essential hires. Some Republican leaders want to suspend the program entirely, leaving thousands of visa holders stranded outside the U.S.
Online Backlash
When Krishnamurthy’s promotion was shared online by Indian-American groups, critics attacked his appointment:
- One user claimed, “You can’t be Indian and American… An Indian would undercut American wages for an H-1B.”
- Others declared they’d boycott Uber: “My whole family just stopped using Uber.”
- Some even questioned his identity: “There is no American named Balaji Krishnamurthy.”
What’s Next for Uber?
Krishnamurthy will earn a $600,000 yearly salary plus bonuses. Despite the controversy, Uber’s leadership stands by him. Khosrowshahi stated he’s “thrilled” for Krishnamurthy to lead finance during a “big year” for the company.
