Khaberni - Tesla is experiencing one of its most sensitive stages since its foundation, with increasing discussions about the possibility of CEO Elon Musk leaving if the vote on his proposed trillion-dollar compensation package fails at the upcoming shareholders' meeting on November 6.
"Emergency" plan inside the company
According to a report published by "Bloomberg", Tesla has prepared an "alternative plan" to ensure continuity of leadership in case Musk decides to leave his position or reduce his role within the company.
Robyn Denholm, Tesla's chairwoman of the board, confirmed that the goal is an orderly transition of leadership, noting that the most likely option would be someone from inside the company, but she did not close the door to external candidates.
Denholm added that the company has a competent executive team ready to lead the next phase, including Tom Zhu, the global production head and Tesla's head of operations in China, who is considered one of the top candidates to succeed Musk.
She explained that Zhu has worked in various positions within the company as part of a well-thought-out plan to develop internal leaders capable of "maintaining the spirit of Tesla after Musk."
Crucial voting
Musk's future in Tesla depends on the outcome of the vote on his compensation package, which was previously canceled by a decision from the Delaware Court, before being reintroduced for approval.
Denholm warned of a high possibility that Musk might reduce his involvement in the company if the shareholders reject the plan.
To win votes, the board has intensified its communications with major shareholders like Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street, and has launched a campaign targeting individual investors who make up about 30% of the investment base.
However, the major hurdle remains in the recommendations of the advisory firms ISS and Glass Lewis, which advised shareholders to vote against the massive package, increasing pressure on the board.
As the crucial vote approaches, the world anticipates whether the greatest success story in Silicon Valley will continue its rise or begin a new phase without its most famous leader. Even a partial departure of Elon Musk could shake market confidence and affect the valuation of the company, valued at hundreds of billions of dollars, and could potentially redraw the competitive map in the entire electric car industry.
