ISLAMABAD: A senior Tesla executive and close aide to Elon Musk, Omead Afshar, has exited the electric vehicle giant, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Afshar’s departure marks yet another high-profile exit as Tesla faces global headwinds, including declining demand and internal restructuring.
Afshar joined Tesla in 2017 and quickly rose through the leadership ranks to become one of Musk’s most trusted confidants.
He played a pivotal role in multiple flagship initiatives, most notably the construction of the Texas Gigafactory and expansion of Tesla’s manufacturing and sales operations in North America and Europe.
Until recently, he served as a key figure within Musk’s executive office, managing critical operational divisions.
Leadership Exodus Deepens Tesla’s Challenges
Afshar’s resignation follows a wave of top-level departures throughout 2024, amid significant restructuring at the EV manufacturer.
Tesla laid off thousands of employees as it pivoted towards artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and robotics.
Notable exits included CFO Zach Kirkhorn, battery engineering head Drew Baglino, and Supercharging division chief Rebecca Tinucci.
Adding to the list, Jenna Ferrua, head of HR operations in Austin, has also reportedly left, as confirmed by multiple media outlets.
This leadership reshuffle comes at a time when Tesla is grappling with intensified competition and image concerns.
Brand Pressure Mounts Amid Political Controversy
Demand for Tesla’s vehicles has declined in key Western markets, partially attributed to Elon Musk’s polarizing political affiliations.
Musk’s public support for U.S. President Donald Trump and his brief leadership of the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency alienated several buyers.
Although Musk stepped back from his Washington role in late May, investor concerns persist, with Tesla shares still down approximately 19% year-to-date.
Despite this, Tesla recently launched a pilot fleet of self-driving taxis in Austin, Texas.
The company aims to expand the service, although industry analysts have cautioned about the viability and safety of large-scale deployment.
Tesla is also expected to report a second consecutive annual drop in global deliveries—a first in its two-decade history.
