Tesla loses key executive close to Elon Musk

Omead Afshar, a top Tesla executive and one of Elon Musk’s closest allies, has left the company, sources say. This departure adds to a string of high-level exits at Tesla during a tough time for the electric car maker. Afshar’s exit has been quietly shared among some employees in recent days, and his name no longer appears in the company’s internal directory.

The reason for his leaving remains unclear. Last year, Afshar was promoted to manage sales and manufacturing in North America and Europe, two markets facing challenges from falling sales and growing competition. Tesla’s stock has dropped about 19% this year as demand for its electric vehicles weakens. Musk is also shifting the company’s focus toward artificial intelligence, robotics, and self-driving cars, recently launching a few robotaxis in Austin.

Afshar’s departure briefly pushed Tesla’s stock price lower, though it later stabilized. In 2022, Afshar faced internal scrutiny over his role in securing rare construction materials, like special glass, for a project. He also briefly worked at SpaceX, another of Musk’s companies, as executives often move between his businesses.

Tesla and Musk did not respond to requests for comment, and Afshar could not be reached. This exit follows other major departures in 2024, sparked by Tesla’s restructuring and layoffs as it adjusts to a changing market. With sales struggling and Musk’s focus on new technology, Tesla faces a bumpy road ahead.