Tesla Investors Demand Elon Musk’s Full Focus Amid Company Setbacks

A group of Tesla’s largest investors has urged the company’s board to ensure CEO Elon Musk dedicates at least 40 hours a week exclusively to Tesla, according to a report by CNBC. In a letter addressed to board chair Robyn Denholm, these shareholders voiced growing concern over Musk’s divided attention and its impact on the electric vehicle giant’s performance.

The investors cited troubling indicators — including falling sales, a declining stock price, and a drop in Tesla’s global reputation — as evidence of Musk’s reduced focus. They attribute much of this downturn to his active involvement in other ventures like SpaceX, xAI, and his increasing political engagement.

To address the crisis, they have called for conditions on any future pay deals for Musk, insisting he commit fully to Tesla. They also want the board to implement stricter limits on directors’ external engagements and appoint at least one truly independent board member without personal connections to existing leadership.

This isn’t the first time Musk’s role at Tesla has drawn scrutiny. A U.S. court recently voided his $56 billion 2018 pay package, citing his excessive influence over the board. Now, his push for 25% voting control has added fuel to investor concerns.

The letter represents nearly 8 million shares in Tesla. With Tesla’s stock already down 12% this year and its public image slipping to 95th in a key U.S. brand perception survey, investors are demanding accountability.

Musk has acknowledged plans to increase his involvement in his companies — but hasn’t clarified how much more time he’ll devote to Tesla.

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