The departure of one of Uber’s earliest investors from its board late on Wednesday added fresh turmoil to the San Francisco-based transportation company that also lost its controversial chief executive this week.

The exit of Bill Gurley, a partner at venture capital firm Benchmark, removes the board’s most seasoned tech investor at a time when it is tasked with overhauling the company’s culture and rebuilding Uber’s executive ranks. Mr Gurley will be replaced by Matt Cohler, a fellow Benchmark partner.

Mr Gurley was instrumental in pushing for Travis Kalanick, Uber’s chief executive, to step down following a series of crises at the company. Benchmark was one of five investors who delivered a surprise letter to Mr Kalanick on Tuesday asking for his resignation.