Tesla's Leadership Shift: A Journey from EVs to AI and Robotics

Tesla's board is searching for a successor to CEO Elon Musk, prompted by Musk's political involvements and investor concerns. Amidst declining sales, the focus shifts to AI and robotics. Activist investors demand more board independence, pushing for an added independent director.

Tesla's board of directors has reportedly engaged executive search firms to identify a potential successor for CEO Elon Musk. According to sources familiar with the matter, this move was prompted by Musk's deep involvement with the Trump administration, which some investors see as a distraction from his duties at Tesla.

Musk's controversial role in the Department of Government Efficiency has been a point of contention, affecting Tesla's leadership stability, especially as EV sales have shown a decline. The ongoing protests and vandalism against Tesla due to Musk's political affiliations have heightened investor anxiety about the company's future.

Despite the challenges, Tesla is rebranding its future around AI and robotics, stepping away from traditional automaking. Meanwhile, Tesla's board, criticized for lacking independence, seeks to allay investor concerns by considering the addition of an independent director and reinforcing the company's strategic direction.

(With inputs from agencies.)