Tesla Poaches GM Robotaxi Exec as Key Leaders Exit
▼ Summary
– Two key Tesla executives have recently left, including Omead Afshar, who was reportedly fired by Elon Musk amid a sales slump.
– Tesla hired an executive from Cruise, GM’s failed robotaxi company, as part of its leadership changes.
– Omead Afshar, who led Tesla’s North America and Europe operations, was investigated in 2022 for a glass purchase related to a secret project.
– Milan Kovac, Tesla’s VP of the Optimus robotics team, left to spend more time with family abroad, with Musk publicly thanking him.
– Tesla’s automotive revenue dropped 20% year-over-year last quarter, coinciding with these executive departures.
Tesla has made significant leadership changes, losing two top executives while bringing in talent from GM’s troubled Cruise robotaxi division. The shakeup comes as the electric vehicle giant faces declining sales and operational challenges.
Reports confirm that Omead Afshar, a longtime Tesla executive overseeing North American and European operations, was dismissed by CEO Elon Musk. While some sources describe his departure as voluntary, others indicate he was terminated. Afshar had been with Tesla since 2017, initially working as a project manager in Musk’s office before rising through the ranks. His exit follows a 20% drop in Tesla’s automotive revenue last quarter, signaling broader struggles within the company.
Adding to the leadership exodus, Milan Kovac, Tesla’s VP in charge of the Optimus humanoid robotics project, also stepped down. Kovac cited personal reasons, emphasizing the need to focus on family abroad. Musk publicly acknowledged his contributions, expressing gratitude for his work.
Despite these departures, Tesla has bolstered its team by recruiting an executive from Cruise, General Motors’ autonomous vehicle subsidiary, which recently halted operations after regulatory scrutiny. The move suggests Tesla remains committed to advancing its self-driving and robotics initiatives, even as internal turbulence persists.
The leadership changes highlight both the challenges and strategic shifts within Tesla as it navigates market pressures and technological ambitions. With key figures exiting and new expertise coming aboard, the company’s next steps will be closely watched by investors and industry observers alike.
(Source: The Verge)
