Elon Musk needs a 'Tim Cook' to run Tesla

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential need for a new CEO at Tesla, suggesting that Elon Musk's focus has shifted away from electric vehicle manufacturing to other interests, which may impact the company's performance and brand image [1][2][14]. Group 1: Current Situation at Tesla - There is speculation about a letter from Tesla employees expressing dissatisfaction with Musk's leadership, claiming his focus on Dogecoin and political matters has harmed the brand [1]. - The electric vehicle manufacturing landscape is seen as a "solved problem" for Tesla, with established gigafactories producing hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually [3][14]. - Musk's preference for innovation over refining existing products is highlighted, indicating a potential misalignment with the current needs of Tesla's operations [4][5]. Group 2: Leadership Comparison - The article draws parallels between Musk and Steve Jobs, suggesting that like Jobs, Musk's departure from day-to-day operations could be beneficial for Tesla, allowing a new leader to focus on operational excellence [6][14]. - Tim Cook is presented as a model for a potential new CEO, emphasizing supply chain management and operational efficiency, which have significantly increased Apple's market value since he took over [11][15]. - The success of Apple under Cook's leadership demonstrates the potential for Tesla to thrive with a focus on improving existing processes rather than solely pursuing new innovations [11][15]. Group 3: Future Considerations - The article posits that if Musk were to step back, a Cook-style executive could effectively manage Tesla's core EV business, potentially restoring brand integrity and driving shareholder value [15][16]. - Omead Afshar is suggested as a possible candidate for the CEO position, given his experience and trustworthiness within the company [16].