Tesla has recently made headlines with the firing of its head of operations for North America and Europe, Omead Afshar. Afshar, who had previously served as Elon Musk’s chief of staff, had a controversial career trajectory that ultimately led to his dismissal.
Afshar’s journey began with a background in biomedical engineering, studying at UC Irvine and working at medical equipment manufacturer St. Jude Medical. He then transitioned to a role at healthcare giant Abbott in Los Angeles before finding himself in the “office of the CEO” under Elon Musk.
After the departure of Musk’s longtime chief of staff, Sam Teller, in 2019, Afshar was seen as stepping into that role within Musk’s companies, particularly at Tesla. He was credited by Musk for leading the construction of Gigafactory Texas, showcasing his leadership within the organization.
However, in 2022, Afshar found himself in hot water at Tesla. Reports surfaced that he was on the verge of being fired over a controversial incident involving the ordering of “special glass” for a “secret project.” The automaker’s finance department raised concerns about the order, prompting an internal investigation into the matter.
The project in question was rumored to be a glasshouse near Austin, as detailed in Musk’s biography by Walter Isaacson. While the outcome of the investigation was not disclosed by Tesla, it was reported that Musk temporarily reassigned Afshar to SpaceX, with many speculating that he was taking the fall for a project that ultimately benefitted Musk personally.
Despite this setback, Afshar eventually returned to Tesla and was elevated to the role of Vice President of operations in North America and Europe. This promotion solidified his position as one of the top executives at the company, highlighting his resilience in the face of adversity.
However, recent reports from Forbes indicate that Afshar has been let go from Tesla, amidst declining sales in both regions and the brand’s falling popularity. The departure comes at a time when Tesla is facing significant demand issues, particularly in Europe, where sales are plummeting despite record incentives and increasing EV sales.
As Tesla navigates these challenges, the firing of Afshar raises questions about the company’s leadership and decision-making. While Afshar was considered a loyalist to Musk, his dismissal underscores the complexities of corporate dynamics and the high stakes in the competitive EV market.
In conclusion, the saga of Omead Afshar at Tesla serves as a reminder of the fast-paced and unforgiving nature of the automotive industry. As the company grapples with ongoing challenges, the search for stability and success continues in the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles.
