<ul><li>Speculation over Elon Musk's future as Tesla CEO arose due to the company's rough start to the year.</li><li>Reports of a search for a new CEO were denied by Tesla's board Chair and Musk himself.</li><li>Analysts and investors believe that Musk would be extremely difficult to replace at Tesla.</li><li>Though potential successors are few, insiders like Tom Zhu and Vaibhav Taneja are considered prime candidates.</li><li>Tesla's flat management structure allows division heads autonomy and potential for advancement.</li><li>External candidate JB Straubel, CEO of Redwood Materials and former Tesla CTO, is seen as a viable replacement option.</li><li>Straubel's prior co-founding and long tenure with Tesla, as well as his relationship with Musk, make him a strong contender.</li><li>Investor Ross Gerber also supports Straubel as the most suitable successor to Musk.</li><li>Musk's significant control over Tesla means any leadership change would require his approval.</li><li>Potential management restructuring could involve Musk as 'chief technoking' with a full-time CEO like Straubel.</li></ul>

Here's who could replace Elon Musk if he ever steps down as Tesla CEO

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