Tesla Inc. (TSLA) is making headlines again, this time for a series of internal promotions and restructuring within its leadership team. This latest round of changes, coming on the heels of several layoffs and departures earlier this year, suggests a potential shift in the company’s strategic direction.
One of the most notable promotions is that of Omead Afshar, who has been elevated to the position of Vice President of Sales and Manufacturing. Afshar now oversees senior executives in North America and Europe, assuming responsibilities previously held by senior leader Tom Zhu. This move signals a possible focus on strengthening Tesla’s global sales and production operations.
Other key promotions include Ashok Elluswamy, who has moved from Director of Autopilot Software to Vice President of AI software, highlighting Tesla’s continued investment in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology. Milan Kovac, previously Director of Optimus and Autopilot Engineering, has been promoted to Vice President of Optimus, indicating a growing commitment to the development of Tesla’s humanoid robot. Wes Morrill, the Cybertruck’s lead engineer, has taken on a new role as Senior Director of Engineering – Reliability, Test, and Analysis, suggesting a focus on enhancing the quality and reliability of Tesla’s products.
These promotions are occurring against a backdrop of significant personnel changes at Tesla. Earlier this year, the company laid off several employees and witnessed the departure of key executives, including Rebecca Tinucci (Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure), Paril Jain (AI Manager), Daniel Ho (Director of New Product Introduction), Drew Baglino (Senior Vice President of Powertrain and Energy Engineering), and Rohan Patel (Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development). The company’s leadership team and organizational structure have undergone significant adjustments in response to these departures and the overall business environment.
The promotions and restructuring at Tesla continue to draw attention, particularly as the company navigates a complex and evolving landscape. It remains to be seen how these changes will ultimately impact Tesla’s future direction and its ability to maintain its position as a leader in the electric vehicle and technology sectors.