Elon Musk Should Step Down as Tesla CEO

 
 

Two weeks ago, Tesla unveiled a fast-food diner and drive-in theater complete with Superchargers in Hollywood. Seemingly out of nowhere, a wave of Tesla influencers descended upon the eatery to show off what it’s like to order a Tesla burger. It didn’t take long for the “Tesla is going to shake up the fast-food industry” takes to circulate on social media. The concept on display seems to be that as people charge their Tesla vehicles, they can also grab a bite to eat and become immersed in the Tesla experience. While it may come across as having a logical yet costly premise, the idea is ultimately flawed. More on that shortly.

With Tesla reporting one of its weakest earnings reports in years just two days after Tesla Diner opened, I couldn’t help but wonder if the launch was timed to distract from the earnings release. The idea of a Tesla diner had been in the works for years. Everything about the situation convinced me to formalize an idea that has been swirling in my head for a while now: It’s time for Elon Musk to officially handoff the Tesla reigns to someone else.

I don’t take calls for regime change lightly, having made only two prior calls over the past decade: Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos (Netflix) and Bob Iger (Disney). Just nine months after my Netflix call was made, co-founder Hastings stepped down, elevating Netflix’s COO to take his place as co-CEO. Iger is still hanging on to power in what can only be described as an unfortunate situation at Disney. 

Why is it time for Musk to step down as Tesla CEO?

Become a member today to continue reading. Already a member? Sign in and read the full essay here.

An audio version of this essay is also available to members. Sign in for instructions on getting the private podcast up and running in your favorite podcast player.


Inside Orchard Membership

Choose either a monthly or annual membership. Payment is processed by Memberful and secured by Stripe. Apple Pay and other mobile payment options are accepted. Special bundle pricing is available when subscribing to the Above Avalon Daily newsletter.


Member Privileges and Benefits

  • Receive Exclusive Essays. The cornerstone of an Inside Orchard subscription is access to Neil’s weekly essays on the latest developments in the technology industry. Weekly essays are ~1,000 words and sent via email. Essays revolve around the following topics: technology industry analysis, business model analysis, technology’s impact on societal and consumer trends. Create a free profile to read a few sample essays.

  • Access Exclusive Private Podcast. Listen to Inside Orchard essays via an exclusive private podcast. After becoming a member, all previously-published podcast episodes become available in your favorite podcast player. Podcast episodes never become available to the public.

  • Inside Orchard Support. Play an active role in supporting Inside Orchard as an independent source of analysis and perspective. Inside Orchard is 100% supported by its subscribers.

Next
Next

Ten Uncomfortable Truths in Tech