In a move that sent shockwaves through the tech industry, Alphabet’s self-driving unit Waymo filled its CEO spot last year by promoting two executives to co-CEO roles. Dmitri Dolgov, the company’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Tekedra Mawakana, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), took on the new responsibilities after John Krafcik stepped down from the position. This unconventional leadership move was met with skepticism by some, but Waymo has managed to make significant progress under their joint leadership.
Expanding Robotaxi Testing in San Francisco
One of the notable achievements of Dolgov and Mawakana’s tenure is the expansion of robotaxi testing to employees in San Francisco. This marks a crucial step towards commercializing driverless transportation services, a key goal for Waymo. The company has been working tirelessly to refine its technology and build partnerships with cities and regulatory bodies.
Navigating Uncharted Territory
So, how did Dolgov and Mawakana navigate this untested leadership arrangement? What strategies have they employed to ensure the success of their co-CEO roles? These are some of the questions that will be explored in an upcoming conversation between TechCrunch’s Kirsten Korosec and Dmitri Dolgov at TC Sessions: Mobility 2022.
TC Sessions: Mobility 2022 – A Comprehensive Look
The event, taking place on May 18-19 in San Mateo, California, promises to be a comprehensive look at the future of transportation. The two-day conference will feature panel discussions, fireside chats, and keynotes that delve into the intersection of technology and mobility.
Dmitri Dolgov: A Pioneer in Autonomous Driving
As one of the founding employees of the Google self-driving car project (later rebranded as Waymo), Dmitri Dolgov has been at the forefront of autonomous driving research for over a decade. His expertise spans both technological development and regulatory affairs, making him an ideal candidate to lead Waymo’s efforts in commercializing driverless transportation services.
Prior Experience and Qualifications
Before joining Google, Dolgov worked on autonomous driving projects at Toyota and Stanford University as part of the DARPA Urban Challenge team. This rich experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the technical, regulatory, and business aspects of developing and deploying self-driving technology.
The Future of AVs: Challenges and Opportunities
As Waymo continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving, Dolgov will share his insights on the current state of AV technologies, regulatory issues, and what needs to be done to achieve widespread adoption. He will discuss how the company’s new leadership structure has contributed to its progress and what challenges lie ahead.
What’s Next for Waymo?
Under the joint leadership of Dolgov and Mawakana, Waymo has achieved significant milestones, including raising an additional $2.5 billion in funding. As the company continues to expand its operations, we can expect further innovations in autonomous driving technology, commercial partnerships, and regulatory advancements.
The Road Ahead: Navigating Rivals and Regulatory Frameworks
Waymo’s rivalry with Cruise is a key topic of discussion at TC Sessions: Mobility 2022. Dolgov will share his perspective on the competitive landscape and how Waymo plans to maintain its lead in autonomous driving technology.
TC Sessions: Mobility 2022 – Register Now!
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the pioneers in autonomous driving, Dmitri Dolgov, as he shares his insights on Waymo’s progress, challenges, and future goals. Register now for TC Sessions: Mobility 2022 and join the conversation about the future of transportation.
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TC Sessions: Mobility 2022 – Key Takeaways
- Waymo’s co-CEO roles have been a success story in navigating uncharted territory.
- The company has made significant progress in expanding robotaxi testing and commercial partnerships.
- Dmitri Dolgov will share his insights on the current state of AV technologies, regulatory issues, and what needs to be done for widespread adoption.
Conclusion
Waymo’s unconventional leadership move has proven to be a bold step towards achieving its mission of making transportation safer, more efficient, and accessible. With Dmitri Dolgov at the helm as CTO and co-CEO, Waymo continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving technology. Join us for TC Sessions: Mobility 2022 to learn from his experiences and gain insights on the future of transportation.
