11 sources·Business

Tesla's Board Denies CEO Succession Planning Amid Sales Struggles

Tesla’s board refutes claims they sought CEO Elon Musk's successor while sales and profits decline.

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  1. Tesla denies trying to replace Elon Musk as CEO

    Tensions had been mounting at the company.

    Tesla denies trying to replace Elon Musk as CEO

    ARS TechnicaARS Technica·21h
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  3. Tesla's board reportedly sought a successor while Musk wheeled around Washington

    Musk’s government work led to Tesla’s first annual sales decline in over a decade; it also tarnished the company’s brand image among some consumers due to his political alignment.

    Tesla's board reportedly sought a successor while Musk wheeled around Washington

    TechCrunchTechCrunch·1d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  4. Tesla chairwoman denies report that the board wanted to replace Musk

    Since Musk took on the work in the White House, Tesla’s stock price has tanked, and the company has been the victim of widespread protests and attacks by anti-Trump and anti-DOGE forces.

    Tesla chairwoman denies report that the board wanted to replace Musk

    Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·1d
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  5. Elon Musk Melts Down Over Report That Tesla Is Considering Replacing Him

    With Musk’s attention already split between his various companies, which are now competing with his foray into political graft through his financial partnership with the Trump administration, it’s no wonder Tesla might be looking for new management.

    Elon Musk Melts Down Over Report That Tesla Is Considering Replacing Him

    Rolling StoneRolling Stone·1d
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Left
    This outlet favors left-wing views.
  7. Tesla denies report that the EV maker is looking to replace Elon Musk

    Shares of Tesla fell as much as 3% in overnight trading on trading platform Robinhood following the news, before paring losses.

    Tesla denies report that the EV maker is looking to replace Elon Musk

    NBC NewsNBC News·1d
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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    Center
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  8. Tesla denies contacting headhunters to replace Elon Musk

    Tesla's sinking share price has raised concerns about Mr Musk's focus on his job in US President Donald Trump's administration.

    Tesla denies contacting headhunters to replace Elon Musk

    BBC NewsBBC News·1d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  9. Tesla denies report claiming board looked to replace Elon Musk

    Tesla has been hit by a widespread backlash against Musk’s recent political activity, not only against his Doge work, but also his public support for the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party before German national elections in February.

    Tesla denies report claiming board looked to replace Elon Musk

    The GuardianThe Guardian·1d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  1. ARS Technica
  2. Epoch Times
  3. TechCrunch
  4. Washington Examiner
  5. Rolling Stone
  6. CBS News
  7. NBC News
  8. BBC News
  9. The Guardian
Updated: May 1st, 2025, 12:30 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Tesla's board has denied reports about seeking a successor for CEO Elon Musk, asserting confidence in his leadership amid declining sales and profits. An article claimed that the board had approached executive search firms, which Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm labeled as "absolutely false." Tensions are reportedly high due to Musk's government work and a significant drop in market value from $1.5 trillion to around $900 billion. Despite these challenges, Musk stated he would dedicate more time to Tesla starting in May, after acknowledging concerns regarding his divided attention.

Perspectives

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  • Tesla's board is concerned about Musk's divided attention and has reportedly begun searching for a potential successor due to declining sales and profits, alongside his involvement in government.

  • Tesla denies reports of actively seeking a new CEO, emphasizing Musk's commitment to the company's growth and future despite challenges in sales and public perception.

  • Musk has pledged to allocate more time to Tesla, but his political alignment and Department of Government Efficiencyage, resulting in backlash and protests from some consumers.

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History

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