Tesla, xAI Face Executive Exodus Amid Burnout and Musk's Politics
Tesla and its AI subsidiary, xAI, are grappling with a wave of high-level departures. The exodus, driven by burnout, disillusionment, and Elon Musk's political activities, has reached the executive level, affecting crucial areas like sales and development. Turnover rates at Tesla are exceptionally high, with key employees leaving the company. Long-time Chief Information Officer Nagesh Saluri has departed, along with crucial team members from Optimus robots and AI tools development. The rivalry with OpenAI, particularly after the launch of ChatGPT, has added pressure on Musk's employees. Musk's political activities, including his support for former US President Donald Trump and right-wing politics, have also contributed to the dissatisfaction among high-ranking employees. His management style, which often leads to the elimination of dissenters, has further exacerbated the situation. The recent turmoil within Musk's companies, such as abrupt layoffs at Twitter/X and internal corporate culture changes, has likely encouraged more employees to consider offers from competitors. The intense work culture at xAI has also led to departures. Robert Keele left after 16 months, citing lack of time with his children, while Mike Liberatore lasted only three months, working over 120 hours a week. Despite the high turnover, Tesla remains a magnet for young talent, offering quick advancement opportunities. The exodus of employees from Tesla and xAI has intensified in recent months, reaching the executive level. While the reasons are varied, including burnout, disillusionment, and Musk's political activities, the companies continue to attract new talent. The impact of these departures on Tesla's operations and future developments remains to be seen.
