Tesla executive Raj Jegannathan departs the automaker after 13 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure during a pivotal time for the electric vehicle giant.
Jegannathan, who most recently served as vice president overseeing information technology, AI infrastructure, business applications and information security, shared the news of his departure in a brief LinkedIn post on Monday. Reflecting on his time at Tesla, he described his experience as “one of continuous evolution,” highlighting the dynamic nature of his journey at the company.
Leadership Shifts During Sales Struggles
Over the past year, Jegannathan’s responsibilities expanded beyond technology. He was appointed to lead Tesla’s sales operations after the dismissal of former North America sales chief Troy Jones. The move came as Tesla grappled with weakening automotive sales and growing competitive pressures in the global EV market.
The company’s core vehicle sales have faced headwinds, partly due to an aging product lineup and intensifying competition. At the same time, Tesla’s brand image has encountered turbulence, with some consumers expressing concerns tied to CEO Elon Musk’s outspoken political views and affiliations. The broader market environment has also become more challenging, adding to the strain on sales performance.
Neither Tesla nor Jegannathan immediately responded to requests for additional comment following the announcement.
Revenue Dip and Strategic Pressure
Tesla reported a 3% drop in revenue for 2025 — the first annual decline in its history. The downturn has intensified pressure on the automaker to reinvigorate demand for its electric vehicles and accelerate innovation.
Investors and customers alike are closely watching Tesla’s progress on long-promised advancements, including fully autonomous driving systems and vehicles capable of operating without human intervention. Delivering on these ambitions is widely seen as critical to the company’s next phase of growth.
As Tesla navigates this period of transition, Jegannathan’s departure underscores the broader changes unfolding within the company as it works to regain momentum in an increasingly competitive landscape.
