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Omead Afshar, a longtime Elon Musk loyalist, takes the wheel at Tesla
- Omead Afshar, one of Elon Musk's closest aides, has been appointed vice president of North American and European operations at Tesla. The young executive has risen through the ranks at the company since he joined as a project manager in 2017. Among his tasks, Afshar oversaw the construction of Tesla's Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, and helped buy Twitter. Afshar's appointment comes at a time when the automaker faces increasing competition from other EV makers, falling delivery numbers, and pressure from unions in Germany and the US.
- Over the seven years he has spent working for Musk, Afshar has emerged as one of the billionaire's most loyal lieutenants, driven and singularly focused on his goals. Musk has long trusted Afshar's managerial capacity and attention to detail, four current and former colleagues say. Afshar's new role of responsibility will involve taking over many of the duties of Tom Zhu, whom some have considered a potential successor to Musk.
- Afshar's rise to power comes at a critical moment for Tesla, as it faces a range of challenges and uncertainties. The automaker is facing increasing competition from traditional car manufacturers looking to break into the EV market and other startups, such as Rivian and Lucid. There is also pressure to raise delivery numbers and resolve supply-chain issues, while simultaneously dealing with proposed tax breaks aimed at encouraging EV production and critical emissions policies that will impact the company.
- Afshar has thrived at a company with considerable executive turnover. Eight of Musk's direct reports have left Tesla over the past year, including Drew Baglino, the carmaker's senior vice president of powertrain and electrical engineering, and Rebecca Tinucci, the senior director of Supercharging.
- Records of text messages from Afshar to Musk, included in a lawsuit related to Musk's purchase of Twitter, underscore their close relationship. Afshar's appointment comes at a critical time for Tesla, amid increasing competition from other EV makers, falling delivery numbers and pressure from unions in Germany and the US.
- Years before Tesla, Afshar studied biomedical engineering at the University of California, Irvine, and worked as a ski instructor. Afshar's loyalty and devotion to the mission of Tesla is well-known. In a 2019 interview, he said he has missed birthdays and felt anxious about being away from his phone for even an hour. While he has been known to have a hands-on approach occasionally, many Tesla employees have praised him for working to improve the employee experience.
- Afshar's new role reflects his rise to prominence within the company and the trust placed in him by Musk, as Tesla deals with a range of unsettling business realities. As Musk increasingly turns his attention to politics, Afshar is set to help shepherd Tesla through the uncertainty ahead.
- Afshar's ascension within the ranks of Tesla underscores Elon Musk's continued trust in his lieutenants, despite dealing with a loss of personnel that is unprecedented in the history of the car company. While challenges remain, both internal and external, Afshar's appointment is proof that Tesla has a plan in place to move forward and remain a serious contender in the automotive space.
- Afshar seems to work well under pressure which is a good sign for Tesla as it faces increasing challenges from internal and external sources. As Musk turns his attention to political and other issues, Afshar's calm, focused approach may prove key to reshaping the company's strategy and operations.
- Afshar has been described as Musk's final boss, a kind of gatekeeper that maintains what goes through to Musk. In his new role, Afshar will likely face increasing scrutiny and pressure from employees and outside stakeholders alike as he manages Tesla during an incredibly difficult time in the automotive industry.
- Afshar's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to manage high-pressure situations make him an excellent choice for this role and well-suited to navigate the challenges ahead. His rise through the ranks of Tesla underscores the company's commitment to developing and promoting young, talented leaders who can help the company maintain its position and gain an advantage over competitors in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
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