Tesla Replaces North American Sales Chief Again
Tesla has experienced another leadership change within its North American sales team. Raj Jegannathan, who was appointed as the VP of North American sales last year, has announced his departure after 13 years at the company.
Tesla’s Ongoing Leadership Challenges
Jegannathan joined Tesla as VP of Information Technology and AI Infrastructure, specializing in business applications and information security. His transition to the role of North American sales head came after the dismissal of Troy Jones in July 2025.
Notable Exits and Concerns
Under Jegannathan’s short tenure in sales, Tesla has lost two leaders in less than a year, highlighting a troubling trend. Since the company’s significant layoffs in April 2024, which affected over 10% of its workforce, there has been an evident flight of senior executives.
- April 2024: Over 10% of Tesla’s workforce laid off.
- July 2025: Troy Jones dismissed amid sales challenges.
- 2025: Jegannathan’s departure marks continued instability.
Impact on Tesla’s Sales Performance
The timing of Jegannathan’s exit raises concerns about Tesla’s ongoing struggles. In 2025, the company reported a 3% decline in annual revenue—the first year-over-year drop recorded. This decline is attributed to an aging vehicle lineup and rising customer dissatisfaction linked to CEO Elon Musk’s political engagements.
Moreover, the news about Musk’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has led to an increase in executive departures in recent weeks, signaling further instability within the leadership team.
The Future of North American Sales
The North American sales position at Tesla is proving to be a challenging role. The recent leadership changes indicate a potential lack of qualified candidates willing to step into the position or a belief that the sales challenges are primarily operational. Regardless, the next leader will face immense pressure to drive improvements.
These ongoing changes reflect a critical period for Tesla. As the company grapples with sales issues, the revolving door of leadership could further complicate its recovery efforts.
