Tesla's Executive Exodus Accelerates Amid Slowing Sales, Shift To AI And Robotics
Tesla is losing key leaders from its Cybertruck, Model 3, and Model Y programs, marking the latest in a wave of high-level exits as the EV maker faces shaky sales and an uncertain outlook, according to Bloomberg.
Siddhant Awasthi, Cybertruck program manager for three years, announced his departure on LinkedIn after recently shifting to Model 3. “This decision wasn’t easy, especially with so much exciting growth on the horizon,” he wrote.
Model Y program manager Emmanuel Lamacchia also confirmed his exit after eight years. Neither detailed future plans, and Tesla didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Their departures add to a string of exits this year, including software VP David Lau—who joined OpenAI—and Optimus engineering head Milan Kovac. Tesla has also seen the departure of senior executive Omead Afshar, a longtime Musk ally.
The company is on track for its second straight annual sales decline. While the Model Y and Model 3 remain strong sellers, the angular Cybertruck has struggled, facing sluggish demand and multiple recalls since its 2019 debut.
Over the past two years, Tesla has experienced a wave of senior executive departures across key divisions. In April 2024, longtime veterans Andrew Baglino, senior vice president of powertrain and electrical engineering, and Rohan Patel, vice president of public policy and business development, both left the company after lengthy tenures.
In June 2025, Omead Afshar, a close Musk ally who oversaw North American and European operations, was reportedly dismissed amid weakening sales, while Milan Kovac, vice president leading the Optimus humanoid robotics team, also stepped down to spend more time with family.
The following month, Troy Jones, vice president of Sales, Service and Delivery for North America, departed after 15 years with Tesla. The steady stream of exits highlights ongoing turnover as the company confronts slowing vehicle sales, strategic shifts toward robotics and AI, and an uncertain outlook for its automotive business.