Elon Musk likely to be replaced as Tesla CEO? Meet Tom Zhu, the potential successor

For over a decade, Tesla and Elon Musk have been inseparable—his bold vision, eccentric personality, and relentless ambition transforming the company into the world’s most valuable automaker. But as Musk’s attention drifts toward his growing empire of ventures, one name has quietly emerged as a potential successor: Tom Zhu.

Unlike the media-savvy Musk, Zhu operates in the background, more focused on execution than public spectacle. Yet, he is one of the most powerful figures at Tesla today, overseeing global operations and ensuring the company’s electric vehicle production remains at record levels. With mounting investor concerns over Musk’s divided focus, could Zhu be the leader to step up when Musk steps away?

Elon Musk: A CEO on the Brink of Moving On?

While Musk remains Tesla’s CEO, his attention has been split across an ever-expanding portfolio of companies:

• X (formerly Twitter) – Acquired for $44 billion, now a massive distraction as he attempts to overhaul its business model.
• SpaceX – Focused on Starship and the mission to colonize Mars.
• Neuralink & The Boring Company – Working on brain chips and futuristic tunnels.
• xAI – A new AI venture competing with OpenAI and Google.

His growing list of projects has frustrated Tesla investors, many of whom believe the company needs a leader who is 100% focused on its future. In December 2022, Musk even admitted he would step down as Tesla CEO when the “right person” is found.

More recently, Musk’s obsession with artificial intelligence has added another layer of uncertainty. He has openly spoken about shifting Tesla’s focus toward robotics and self-driving AI, hinting that he sees Tesla as more of a software company than just an automaker. Some insiders believe Musk might transition into a more visionary role—perhaps as a “Technoking” or product architect—while handing over day-to-day operations to someone else.

That "someone" might just be Tom Zhu.

Who Is Tom Zhu?

Born in China, Tom Zhu holds a New Zealand passport and built his early career in project management before earning an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. His Tesla journey began in 2014, when he was hired to lead the company’s charging infrastructure projects in China.

His reputation skyrocketed when he was tasked with leading Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai—now the company’s most important production hub. Under Zhu’s leadership:

• Gigafactory Shanghai was built in just 11 months—a record speed for Tesla.
• It became Tesla’s largest and most efficient factory, producing more EVs than any other facility worldwide.
• Even during China’s harsh COVID lockdowns, Zhu lived inside the factory to keep production running.

Zhu’s no-nonsense, hands-on leadership style caught Musk’s attention. By late 2022, he was promoted to oversee Tesla’s entire global production, sales, and service operations. Today, he effectively runs Tesla’s core business.

Why Zhu Is the Top Contender to Replace Musk

Several factors make Zhu the most likely candidate if Musk steps back from Tesla’s day-to-day leadership:

✔ Track Record of Execution – He transformed Tesla’s China business into a global success story.
✔ Tesla Insider – He understands Musk’s high-pressure, first-principles approach.
✔ Trusted by Musk – His rapid promotions prove he has Musk’s confidence.

Tesla’s biggest challenges today aren’t new product ideas—they are operational, scaling, and execution-related problems. Zhu excels in all these areas.

While Musk still holds the title of CEO, his increasing focus on AI and robotics suggests a shift is inevitable. Zhu’s recent reassignment back to China to tackle Tesla’s battle against domestic EV rivals like BYD could be his next big test.

If Zhu successfully defends Tesla’s dominance in China, his rise to the top of Tesla’s leadership may just be a matter of time.