SAN FRANCISCO - Dara Khosrowshahi is credited with turning Expedia Inc into a global travel services behemoth and winning admiration from employees on the way.

Uber is hoping he will steer the controversy-battered ride-sharing service along a similarly glorious route.

The San Francisco-based startup, officially known as Uber Technologies Inc, confirmed on Tuesday that Khosrowshahi would replace former head Travis Kalanick.