In a surprising turn of events, Tesla Vice President – Finance and Business Operations, Sreela Venkatraman, has bid farewell to the electric vehicle (EV) giant after an impressive 11-year tenure.
Her departure comes as part of a series of senior executive exits from the company, raising eyebrows and prompting discussions about the challenges of working in the Tesla universe.
The Journey at Tesla
Sreela Venkatraman’s journey began in 2013 when she joined Tesla as Director – Accounting. Back then, the company’s annual revenue was less than $1 billion, and its market cap hovered around $4 billion.
The EV landscape was vastly different—fewer than 3,000 Tesla vehicles hit the roads that year.
Fast forward to today: Tesla’s annual revenues soar close to $100 billion, its market cap stands at a staggering $700 billion (having even reached $1 trillion during the pandemic), and over 1.8 million Tesla cars are delivered worldwide.
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In her LinkedIn post announcing her exit, Venkatraman expressed pride in the company’s achievements. She highlighted the remarkable growth—from a startup disrupting the automotive industry to a global powerhouse.
However, she didn’t mince words: “Working for Tesla is definitely not for the faint of heart.” The intensity, the relentless pursuit of innovation, and the scrutiny that comes with being part of Elon Musk’s vision can take a toll on even the most dedicated professionals.
The Role of Women in Tesla’s Leadership
Sreela Venkatraman was one of only two women VPs at Tesla. Her departure leaves Laurie Shelby, Vice President – Environmental Health and Safety, as the sole woman VP in the company.
While Tesla has made strides in diversity and inclusion, the departure of senior female leaders raises questions about the unique challenges faced by women in high-pressure tech environments.
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The Broader Context
Sreela’s departure is part of a larger trend. Other senior executives have also bid adieu to the Tesla family. Drew Baglino, Tesla’s former Senior VP of Powertrain and Electrical Engineering (with an 18-year tenure), left.
Rohan Patel, VP of Public Policy and Business Development, followed suit. Rich Otto, the former head of something he loved yet found challenging, also stepped away.
The recent layoffs and shifts in company morale have disrupted the delicate balance between people and products—the very essence of a great company.
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