Not for faint of heart: Tesla VP Sreela Venkataratnam Quits

Tesla, the electric vehicle giant founded by Elon Musk, has experienced yet another departure of a long-standing executive. Sreela Venkataratnam, who served as a Vice President at Tesla for 11 years, has announced her decision to step down. Her departure marks the most recent in a sequence of at least six other notable executives who have exited the company this year.

Key Points:
  • Departure Announcement: Sreela Venkataratnam announced her resignation on LinkedIn, citing her desire to spend quality time with her family, reconnect with old friends, and prioritize personal well-being.
  • Length of Tenure: Sreela Venkataratnam had been with Tesla since 2013, witnessing the company’s growth from revenues below $1 billion to annual revenues approaching $100 billion.
  • Market Cap: During her tenure, Tesla’s market capitalization reached $1 trillion during the pandemic before experiencing a decline.
  • Work Culture: Sreela Venkataratnam described working at Tesla as “not for the faint of heart,” reflecting on the company’s notoriously demanding work culture.
  • Recent Departures: Several senior employees have left Tesla in recent months, including Drew Baglino (senior VP of powertrain and electrical engineering), Rohan Patel (VP of public policy and business development), and Rich Otto (head of product launches).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Why did Sreela Venkataratnam leave Tesla?

A: Sreela Venkataratnam left Tesla to prioritize her personal well-being, spend quality time with her family, and reconnect with old friends.

Q: How long was Sreela Venkataratnam with Tesla?

A: Sreela Venkataratnam was with Tesla for 11 years, starting in 2013.

Q: What is the current state of Tesla’s market capitalization?

A: Tesla’s market capitalization has declined from its peak during the pandemic but remains significantly high at over $700 billion.

Q: What is the work culture like at Tesla?

A: Tesla’s work culture is notoriously demanding, with some employees reporting long hours and grueling production ramps. The company has experienced significant layoffs this year, which have impacted morale.

Q: Who are some other notable executives who have left Tesla recently?

A: Recent departures include Drew Baglino, Rohan Patel, and Rich Otto. These executives left amidst significant layoffs and restructuring efforts within the company.

For more information on Tesla’s recent developments and executive departures, you can visit Fortune.com or other reputable news sources.

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