It seems that Google will now have to execute the project without one of its shiniest minds going forward. Chris Urmson, the Chief Technology Officer for the self driving project as well as the face of the project has announced that he will be quitting his post and leaving the company.

Urmson announced the decision through a blog post last Friday. He has cited no reason for leaving Alphabet Inc. nor has he given any information about his future destination. The development comes as a serious blow for the Google self driving project, which is now planning to venture into commercial operations. Recently, top engineers Dave Ferguson and Jiajun Zhu as well as co founder Anthony Levandowski also left the project.

The company spokesperson was all praise for Chris Urmson and his contribution. Through an email, he paid tribute to the seven year association of Urmson with the company and highlighted his services for the evolution of the project this far. It is pertinent to note that Urmson led the project until last year giving way to industry veteran John Krafcik who took over as Chief Executive of the project.

The self driving project is now approaching a critical stage. It will now be engaging industry regulators and the automotive industry for seamless introduction in the market. Chris Urmson will definitely be missed by his brainchild.