FREMONT, CA – In a surprising development, Tesla has reportedly dismissed one of its top executives, Omead Afshar, amid declining sales across major markets.
Breaking: Executive Shake-up at Tesla
Omead Afshar, known as one of Elon Musk’s closest aides and Tesla’s vice president of manufacturing and operations, has been reportedly fired. This move comes as the electric vehicle giant grapples with a significant downturn in sales in North America and Europe.
According to CNBC, Afshar’s termination was announced just days before the end of the second quarter. The decision follows ongoing pressure from investors after Tesla recorded its fifth consecutive monthly sales drop in Europe and a 15% decline in deliveries in China.
Immediate Impact on Tesla’s Leadership
Afshar’s dismissal marks another high-profile exit from Tesla, coming on the heels of Milan Kovac’s departure, the former head of the company’s Optimus humanoid robotics program. Afshar was leading a critical team that oversaw Tesla’s business operations across major markets, including sales and policy executives.
The timing is particularly significant because Tesla’s brand has faced reputational challenges, partly due to Musk’s controversial political positions and the underwhelming performance of the Cybertruck.
Analysts forecast a global drop of at least 10% in Tesla’s Q2 deliveries.
Key Details Emerge
Often described as “Musk’s fixer,” Afshar was one of the most powerful and trusted executives within Musk’s business empire. He began his journey with Tesla as an engineer in 2011, eventually rising to the position of vice president, overseeing operations in North America and Europe.
An American citizen born to Iranian parents, Afshar studied biomedical engineering with a focus on mechanical engineering at the University of California, Irvine. Known for his perfectionism and operational discipline, he quickly gained Musk’s trust and became involved in some of Tesla’s most high-stakes projects.
Industry Response
Meanwhile, industry experts warn that Afshar’s departure could impact Tesla’s operational stability during a crucial period. His role in building Tesla’s massive Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, was pivotal, solidifying his reputation for delivering under pressure.
In 2022, Afshar was the subject of an internal probe over the acquisition of rare construction materials, including specialty glass, for a secretive Musk-led initiative, as reported by Bloomberg. Following that investigation, he worked briefly at SpaceX before returning to Tesla.
By the Numbers
The stock is down 19% this year.
Afshar also played a role in Musk’s 2022 acquisition of Twitter, now known as X. According to ET, he helped implement cost-cutting measures during the platform’s restructuring.
What Comes Next
Despite his abrupt firing, Afshar continued praising Musk on social media in recent days, calling the robotaxi pilot launch in Austin “absolutely historic” and thanking the CEO “for pushing us all.” His influence was such that The Wall Street Journal once described him as one of the few insiders who could both understand and execute Musk’s most ambitious visions.
The move represents a significant shift from Tesla’s recent strategies, and the company will need to navigate these leadership changes carefully to maintain its market position.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Tesla is expected to announce Afshar’s replacement soon, as the company seeks to reassure investors and stakeholders. The announcement comes as Tesla continues to innovate in the electric vehicle sector, with new models and technological advancements on the horizon.
The story of Omead Afshar’s exit is still unfolding, and its implications for Tesla’s future remain to be seen. As the company moves forward, industry watchers will closely monitor how these changes impact Tesla’s operations and market performance.
