SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc's [UBER.UL] new Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi told employees on Wednesday the ride-services company would change its culture and could go public in 18 to 36 months.

Khosrowshahi, who led Expedia Inc for 12 years, made the remarks as he introduced himself to Uber's workforce on Wednesday during an all-staff meeting at its San Francisco headquarters.His plans include rebuilding Uber's culture, stemming its losses as well as conducting an initial public offering in as little as 18 to 36 months, according to a person who attended the meeting.

The appointment of Khosrowshahi, who described himself as "a fighter," comes as Uber is trying to recover from a series of crises that culminated in the ouster of its former CEO Travis Kalanick in June.

It is also a key step toward filling a gaping hole in its top management which at the moment has no chief financial officer, head of engineering or general counsel.

"Casting a vote for the next chief executive of Uber was a big moment for me and I couldn't be happier to pass the torch to such an inspiring leader," Kalanick said.