Top Uber executives pushed out in shake-up after IPO launch

Two of Uber’s top executives were pushed aside last week in a management shake-up at the ride-share company following its lackluster initial public offering.

Chief Operating Officer Barney Harford and Chief Marketing Officer Rebecca Messina left the company, according to an Uber regulatory filing released Friday.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the move would allow him to streamline operations and be more personally involved in the day-to-day workings of the company.

Harford came under fire last year after the New York Times reported on racist remarks he allegedly made during a conference call with other Uber employees.

Harford criticized an ad that featured a mixed-race couple, asking how common such relationships were in real life and whether they reflected the company’s client base. Employees complained to Uber’s Human Resources department and diversity director about the comments at the time.

When Uber hit the stock market last month, its shares immediately went into reverse, dropping by 18 percent on its first day of trading.