Uber plunged into turmoil as president walks away after weeks of controversy

ONE of the largest growing startups in the motoring industry, Uber Technologies Inc is in danger of imploding.

Following weeks of unrest, the ride services company's president Jeff Jones, a marketing expert hired to help soften its often abrasive image, has abandoned his position.

Jones quit less than seven months after joining the San Francisco company, an Uber spokesman said on Sunday.

In a statement to Reuters, Jones said he could not continue as president of a business with which he was incompatible.

"I joined Uber because of its mission, and the challenge to build global capabilities that would help the company mature and thrive long term," Jones said.

"It is now clear, however, that the beliefs and approach to leadership that have guided my career are inconsistent with what I saw and experienced at Uber, and I can no longer continue as president of the ride sharing business," he added.

Jones wished the "thousands of amazing people at the company" well.

Jones' role was put into question after Uber earlier this month launched a search for a chief operating officer to help run the company alongside Chief Executive Travis Kalanick.

Jones had been performing some of those COO responsibilities.

"We want to thank Jeff for his six months at the company and wish him all the best," an Uber spokesman said in an emailed statement.