Tesla Says Elon Musk Is Here To Stay
The Tesla board is pushing back against a report claiming the automaker is quietly searching for a new CEO to replace Elon Musk.
Key Points
- Tesla Chair Denies CEO Search: Board chair Robyn Denholm refuted a report claiming Tesla is seeking a replacement for Elon Musk, calling it "absolutely false."
- Leadership Concerns Amid Sales Decline: Investor concerns are growing over Musk’s political involvement and time away from Tesla, especially as EV sales falter and the company pivots to robotaxis and AI.
- Board Faces Scrutiny: Tesla’s board—long criticized for its close ties to Musk—is reportedly reassuring investors while considering adding an independent director to restore confidence.
Board chair Robyn Denholm called the Wall Street Journal's report “absolutely false” before adding that the board remains “highly confident” in Musk’s leadership. The report alleged that Tesla’s board contacted multiple executive search firms about a month ago to begin exploring potential successors for Musk.
Tensions surrounding Musk’s leadership have escalated in the last 100 days. Tesla’s EV sales are facing increasing pressure from global competitors, many brand loyalists have turned on the electric car company, and the automaker is now actively exploring pivoting away from affordable electric vehicles and into the autonomous robotaxi business.
Musk’s political affiliations and high-profile role in the Trump administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been criticized as a distraction from his role leading Tesla. His growing political involvement has also triggered backlash across the U.S. and Europe, including protests and vandalism at Tesla facilities.
Musk has reportedly been encouraged by members of the Tesla board, including his brother, to commit more of his time to the automaker.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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