Privately, John Krafcik told some investors he had already stayed longer than he intended.
Google affiliate Waymo is talking to outside investors about raising as much as $4 billion in additional capital to fuel its self-driving efforts.
And the company has discussed plans to eventually list publicly, spinning out from its parent Alphabet Inc., according to people familiar with the plans.
But Waymo must first quell concerns about a recent string of departures that have raised questions about its strategy and the size of its lead in the field.
Since February, Waymo has
lost six key executives in rapid succession, including its CEO, CFO and several key lieutenants. John Krafcik, the outgoing CEO, had telegraphed his departure to some although it surprised many at Waymo and others at Alphabet, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks were private. Waymo appointed two executives as co-CEOs and is recruiting a new CFO.