Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm Denies CEO Search to Replace Elon Musk

Tesla chair Robyn Denholm has refuted a Wall Street Journal report claiming that the company’s board was searching for a replacement for CEO Elon Musk. Denholm posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling the article “absolutely false” and reaffirming the board’s full confidence in Musk’s leadership and future vision for Tesla.

The WSJ report alleged that Tesla board members had contacted executive search firms about a month ago to explore potential successors. Musk also denied the report, describing it as “deliberately false.”

This comes as Tesla navigates a turbulent period—shifting focus from producing affordable EVs to developing autonomous taxis and AI-driven robots. Meanwhile, EV sales have declined, particularly in the US and Europe, amid growing competition and backlash over Musk’s political involvement with the Trump administration.

Musk recently pledged to cut back his time working on federal government efficiency initiatives and return focus to Tesla operations, following investor concerns and reports of vandalism at Tesla facilities tied to political protests.

The WSJ also noted that Tesla board members had urged Musk to publicly commit to dedicating more time to the company. While it’s unclear if Musk knew about the reported succession discussions, board members, including co-founder JB Straubel, have been meeting with major investors to offer reassurance.

Denholm, who has faced criticism over her pay and loyalty to Musk, recently sold $33.7 million worth of Tesla stock. The board, which includes Musk’s brother Kimbal and James Murdoch, is reportedly looking to add a new independent director.