Tesla's board has embarked on a discreet search for a new CEO as Elon Musk turns his attention to a role in the Trump administration. About a month ago, the board started working with executive search firms to identify potential candidates for Musk's successor, according to Reuters.
The search comes as Musk's political involvement sparks investor concern and public outcry. Leading the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump, Musk's political ties are causing backlash. As a result, protests and incidents like the recent arson at a Tesla facility in Arizona have arisen, Axios reported. The controversy adds to Tesla's financial woes, with the company's market value plummeting by roughly $800 billion since its peak, exacerbated by a 4% drop in shares on Tuesday, reported by People Matters.
In response to these pressures, Musk has vowed to lessen his political activities to focus more on Tesla, though it's unclear how this will impact the board's search plans. To reassure stakeholders, the board is engaging with investors and considering governance changes, including adding an independent board member, as detailed by Reuters. These steps illustrate Tesla's attempts to stabilize leadership amidst current challenges.