&nbsp;

Sreela Venkataratnam, Vice President of Tesla, announced her resignation after an impressive 11-year tenure with the company, citing a desire to take a break for personal well-being and to spend time with her family. Venkataratnam, who joined Tesla in early 2013, steadily advanced through the ranks, starting as Director of Finance Operations and eventually becoming Vice President. She described her experience at Tesla as "nothing short of extraordinary," while also acknowledging that working there "is not for the faint of heart."

&nbsp;

Reflecting on her time at Tesla, Venkataratnam recalled the company’s modest beginnings, noting that when she started, Tesla had "less than USD 1 billion in yearly revenues, a market cap of -USD 4 billion, and fewer than 3,000 cars delivered annually." Over the years, she witnessed Tesla’s dramatic transformation into a global leader in the electric vehicle market. During her tenure, Tesla’s revenues soared to nearly USD 100 billion, its market cap reached USD 700 billion (even peaking at USD 1 trillion during the pandemic), and car deliveries increased to more than 1.8 million annually.

&nbsp;

In her departure statement, Venkataratnam expressed immense pride in the company's growth, remarking, "Leaving as a Vice President (one of only two women VPs in the company) with annual revenues soaring close to USD 100 billion, a market cap of USD 700 billion (reaching USD 1 trillion during the pandemic), and car deliveries exceeding 1.8 million, I am proud of how much we’ve achieved together."

&nbsp;

She also took a moment to express her deep gratitude to her colleagues and collaborators over the years. "I am profoundly grateful to the incredible champions, including some who are no longer with the company, my teammates, and colleagues who supported me and my team throughout this journey. Your integrity, dedication, and collaboration were instrumental in our shared success," she wrote in her farewell post.

&nbsp;

Jason Wheeler, Tesla’s former CFO, commented on her post, acknowledging the challenges associated with working at Tesla and commending her achievements. "You did it right, Sreela. Congrats on an amazing run at a company that wasn’t always easy to work at. Bravo!" Wheeler wrote. Venkataratnam agreed, replying, "It is definitely not for the faint of heart! It was great working with you, especially during those tough days!"

&nbsp;

Venkataratnam's departure is part of a broader trend, as several senior executives have left Tesla in recent months. According to Fortune, three executives resigned in April within two weeks, including Martin Viecha, a longtime Vice President of Investor Relations; Drew Baglino, Senior Vice President; and Rohan Patel, Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development.

&nbsp;

During her journey at Tesla, Venkataratnam advanced from Director of Finance Operations, a role she took on in early 2013, to Senior Director of Finance two years later, and finally to Vice President in June 2019. She held the Vice President role until June 2024.

&nbsp;

In her farewell message, Venkataratnam expressed her immense pride in Tesla’s evolution from a small company with minimal revenue and vehicle output into a corporate giant recognised for its contributions to the electric vehicle market. While she has not disclosed specific future plans beyond taking a break, she remains open to new opportunities after some time off.

&nbsp;

Venkataratnam shared her departure on LinkedIn, stating her intention to "take a break and spend quality time with family, reconnect with old friends, and focus on personal well-being."

Sreela Venkataratnam, Vice President of Tesla, announced her resignation after an impressive 11-year tenure with the company, citing a desire to take a break for personal well-being and to spend time with her family.

Sreela Venkataratnam, Vice President of Tesla, announced her resignation after an impressive 11-year tenure with the company, citing a desire to take a break for personal well-being and to spend time with her family. Venkataratnam, who joined Tesla in early 2013, steadily advanced through the ranks, starting as Director of Finance Operations and eventually becoming Vice President. She described her experience at Tesla as "nothing short of extraordinary," while also acknowledging that working there "is not for the faint of heart." Reflecting on her time at Tesla, Venkataratnam recalled the company’s modest beginnings, noting that when she started, Tesla had "less than USD 1 billion in yearly revenues, a market cap of -USD 4 billion, and fewer than 3,000 cars delivered annually." Over the years, she witnessed Tesla’s dramatic transformation into a global leader in the electric vehicle market. During her tenure, Tesla’s revenues soared to nearly USD 100 billion, its market cap reached USD 700 billion (even peaking at USD 1 trillion during the pandemic), and car deliveries increased to more than 1.8 million annually. In her departure statement, Venkataratnam expressed immense pride in the company's growth, remarking, "Leaving as a Vice President (one of only two women VPs in the company) with annual revenues soaring close to USD 100 billion, a market cap of USD 700 billion (reaching USD 1 trillion during the pandemic), and car deliveries exceeding 1.8 million, I am proud of how much we’ve achieved together." She also took a moment to express her deep gratitude to her colleagues and collaborators over the years. "I am profoundly grateful to the incredible champions, including some who are no longer with the company, my teammates, and colleagues who supported me and my team throughout this journey. Your integrity, dedication, and collaboration were instrumental in our shared success," she wrote in her farewell post. Jason Wheeler, Tesla’s former CFO, commented on her post, acknowledging the challenges associated with working at Tesla and commending her achievements. "You did it right, Sreela. Congrats on an amazing run at a company that wasn’t always easy to work at. Bravo!" Wheeler wrote. Venkataratnam agreed, replying, "It is definitely not for the faint of heart! It was great working with you, especially during those tough days!" Venkataratnam's departure is part of a broader trend, as several senior executives have left Tesla in recent months. According to Fortune, three executives resigned in April within two weeks, including Martin Viecha, a longtime Vice President of Investor Relations; Drew Baglino, Senior Vice President; and Rohan Patel, Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development. During her journey at Tesla, Venkataratnam advanced from Director of Finance Operations, a role she took on in early 2013, to Senior Director of Finance two years later, and finally to Vice President in June 2019. She held the Vice President role until June 2024. In her farewell message, Venkataratnam expressed her immense pride in Tesla’s evolution from a small company with minimal revenue and vehicle output into a corporate giant recognised for its contributions to the electric vehicle market. While she has not disclosed specific future plans beyond taking a break, she remains open to new opportunities after some time off. Venkataratnam shared her departure on LinkedIn, stating her intention to "take a break and spend quality time with family, reconnect with old friends, and focus on personal well-being."

Tesla Vice President quits after 11 years

Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk postponed his trip to India to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing obligations at his Tesla automaker.

The Tesla CEO said he aimed to reschedule the visit for later this year.

"Unfortunately, very heavy Tesla obligations require that the visit to India be delayed, but I do very much look forward to visiting later this year," Musk posted on his X account.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-opposes-tiktok-ban-in-us-citing-free-speech-713204" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-opposes-tiktok-ban-in-us-citing-free-speech-713204&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJtJHejdCFAxVks1YBHam9B98QFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0A3z3XoGrogHpFTAAnJpa4&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-opposes-tiktok-ban-in-us-citing-free-speech-713204" target="_blank">Elon&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;opposes TikTok Ban in US, citing free speech</a>

Musk’s trip was to have included the announcement of plans for the electric vehicle (EV) maker to enter the South Asian market, according to reports.

Tesla could have used the India announcement to try to reassure investors after months of share-price declines and the news on April 15 that it would lay off more than 10 per cent of its global workforce.

Tesla has been lobbying the Indian government for months to reduce import taxes on electric vehicles, even as it considers&nbsp;setting up a factory in the country.

India’s new EV policy

India recently introduced a new EV policy, cutting import taxes to 15 per cent from the former 100 per cent for some models. This comes with the expectation that the manufacturer invests a minimum of $500 million and establishes a factory.

Earlier reports by Reuters indicated that Tesla officials were set to visit India this month to identify locations for a manufacturing plant, requiring an investment of approximately $2 billion.

Additionally, Tesla has initiated the production of right-hand drive cars at its German facility, targeting exports to India later this year.

Tesla's expansion into the Indian market comes at a time when demand for electric vehicles is slowing in its primary markets, the US and China, due to increasing competition from Chinese automakers.

Tesla recently reported a decline in first-quarter deliveries, falling short of analyst expectations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-militarising-space-using-musks-satellite-network-713197" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-militarising-space-using-musks-satellite-network-713197&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJtJHejdCFAxVks1YBHam9B98QFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2o1MuqDWjoXroWP1DCbsW4&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-militarising-space-using-musks-satellite-network-713197" target="_blank">China accuses US of 'militarising space' using&nbsp;Musk's&nbsp;satellite network</a>

India's electric vehicle market, although currently small, is on an upward trajectory and is predominantly led by local automaker Tata Motors.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk postponed his trip to India to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing obligations at his Tesla automaker. The Tesla CEO said he aimed to reschedule the visit for later this year.

Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk postponed his trip to India to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing obligations at his Tesla automaker. The Tesla CEO said he aimed to reschedule the visit for later this year. "Unfortunately, very heavy Tesla obligations require that the visit to India be delayed, but I do very much look forward to visiting later this year," Musk posted on his X account. Also read: Elon Musk opposes TikTok Ban in US, citing free speech Musk’s trip was to have included the announcement of plans for the electric vehicle (EV) maker to enter the South Asian market, according to reports. Tesla could have used the India announcement to try to reassure investors after months of share-price declines and the news on April 15 that it would lay off more than 10 per cent of its global workforce. Tesla has been lobbying the Indian government for months to reduce import taxes on electric vehicles, even as it considers setting up a factory in the country. India’s new EV policy India recently introduced a new EV policy, cutting import taxes to 15 per cent from the former 100 per cent for some models. This comes with the expectation that the manufacturer invests a minimum of $500 million and establishes a factory. Earlier reports by Reuters indicated that Tesla officials were set to visit India this month to identify locations for a manufacturing plant, requiring an investment of approximately $2 billion. Additionally, Tesla has initiated the production of right-hand drive cars at its German facility, targeting exports to India later this year. Tesla's expansion into the Indian market comes at a time when demand for electric vehicles is slowing in its primary markets, the US and China, due to increasing competition from Chinese automakers. Tesla recently reported a decline in first-quarter deliveries, falling short of analyst expectations. Also read: China accuses US of 'militarising space' using Musk's satellite network India's electric vehicle market, although currently small, is on an upward trajectory and is predominantly led by local automaker Tata Motors. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk postpones India trip, aims to visit later this year

Internationally-renowned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/elon-musk">Elon Musk’s</a> electric car company, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tesla">Tesla</a>, has begun recruiting for leadership roles in India.

After it was announced that Tesla will be breaking the ground and setting up facilities in India, the company has also started hiring senior-level employees for leadership roles in India, media reports claim.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/is-teslas-elon-musk-a-master-manipulator-of-markets-389229">Is Tesla’s Elon Musk a master manipulator of markets?</a>

It has also been rumoured that Prashanth Menon, a software engineer by profession, who has been working with Tesla for nearly four years, will be promoted to India's CEO.

As of now, the state government of Karnataka has revealed that Tesla will be setting up a facility in the suburbs of Bangalore, a famous tech-city in the country. However, Tesla has not yet confirmed the news.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/would-dinosaurs-be-alive-if-they-had-spaceships-tech-mogul-elon-musk-believes-so-388379" hreflang="en">Would dinosaurs be alive if they had spaceships? Tech mogul Elon Musk believes so</a>

Experts believe the company is currently observing the Indian government’s stand on the goods and sales tax that can help Tesla finalise its plans.

It has also been rumoured that soon launch Elon Musk-owned Tesla will launch a drive-in food chain across the US, in the locations of Supercharger. Local reports stated that an application has been submitted to the&nbsp;United States Patent and Trademark Office, which will cover the areas of "Restaurant services, pop-up restaurant services, self-service restaurant services, take-out restaurant services".

However, the reports have not yet been verified by the company or the serial tweeter, Elon Musk, yet.

Internationally-renowned Elon Musk’s electric car company, Tesla, has begun recruiting for leadership roles in India. After it was announced that Tesla will be breaking the ground and setting up facilities in India, the company has also started hiring senior-level employees for leadership roles in India, media reports claim.

Internationally-renowned Elon Musk’s electric car company, Tesla, has begun recruiting for leadership roles in India. After it was announced that Tesla will be breaking the ground and setting up facilities in India, the company has also started hiring senior-level employees for leadership roles in India, media reports claim. Also read | Is Tesla’s Elon Musk a master manipulator of markets? It has also been rumoured that Prashanth Menon, a software engineer by profession, who has been working with Tesla for nearly four years, will be promoted to India's CEO. As of now, the state government of Karnataka has revealed that Tesla will be setting up a facility in the suburbs of Bangalore, a famous tech-city in the country. However, Tesla has not yet confirmed the news. Also read | Would dinosaurs be alive if they had spaceships? Tech mogul Elon Musk believes so Experts believe the company is currently observing the Indian government’s stand on the goods and sales tax that can help Tesla finalise its plans. It has also been rumoured that soon launch Elon Musk-owned Tesla will launch a drive-in food chain across the US, in the locations of Supercharger. Local reports stated that an application has been submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which will cover the areas of "Restaurant services, pop-up restaurant services, self-service restaurant services, take-out restaurant services". However, the reports have not yet been verified by the company or the serial tweeter, Elon Musk, yet.

Elon Musk's Tesla begins hiring in India: Reports

Elon Musk-led Tesla has registered a subsidiary company in Bengaluru as it prepares to create a much-awaited manufacturing plant and R&amp;D unit in India.

The company, registered as Tesla Motors India &amp; Energy Pvt Ltd, has named three directors as part of its team in the country, Vaibhav Taneja, Venkatrangam Sreeram and David Jon Feinstein.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musks-tesla-registers-india-office-in-bengaluru-to-start-operations-with-rd-unit-356324" hreflang="en">Tesla registers India office in Bengaluru, to start operations with R&amp;D unit</a>

It is a private unlisted company with an authorized capital of Rs 15,00,000 and a paid-up capital of Rs 1,00,000.

This announcement officially marks Tesla’s India entry in the state of Karnataka. It would be interesting to see if the company would set-up its manufacturing base in Karnataka, or will continue to keep up the suspense and be wooed away by some other state.

Twitter users in India couldn't contain their excitement and shared their views on Tesla's much-anticipated arrival in the country.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Proud moment for Karnataka as Tesla enters India by registering in Bengaluru. 
 
Truly, Bengaluru is the beating heart of Indian innovation. 
 
Hope one day Bengaluru will be the greatest innovation hub in the world.
— Abhishek (@AbhishBanerj) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbhishBanerj/status/1349189097961574402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Some netizens rushed to buy the company's much-awaited electric cars and shared the copies of their bills after purchasing their ''dream cars''.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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It's here!! Welcome Tesla!! 😍😍🔥🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Teslaindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Teslaindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/qqAn9b4ok8">pic.twitter.com/qqAn9b4ok8</a>
— Ronit Gupta (@ronit_gupta18) <a href="https://twitter.com/ronit_gupta18/status/1349190797816696832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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However, few netizens warned Tesla about India's notorious traffic jams and&nbsp;expressed their scepticism about the uneven roads.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Teslaindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Teslaindia</a> 
Tesla Be aware about Indian traffic, "Auto drive" mode may not be working here... <a href="https://t.co/Vo9ttaF0wV">pic.twitter.com/Vo9ttaF0wV</a>
— fᵣₑₑ wₐy 🗨 (@T_O_freeway) <a href="https://twitter.com/T_O_freeway/status/1349183622549409792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Teslaindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Teslaindia</a> 
elon musk after seeing the condition of indian roads : <a href="https://t.co/X9EpKUSkFp">pic.twitter.com/X9EpKUSkFp</a>
— Tushar Patel (@tusharrrpatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/tusharrrpatel/status/1349053489830260736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tesla on Indian roads.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Teslaindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Teslaindia</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/XIZLfGXf7B">pic.twitter.com/XIZLfGXf7B</a>
— Kachre Wala (@GaadiWalaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaadiWalaa/status/1349072179594371072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Elon Musk, who recently became the wealthiest individual in the world overtaking Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, also enjoys a cult-figure like status in India as he does abroad which has added to the growing demand for Tesla and its products.

India’s transport minister Nitin Gadkari told a local newspaper in December the US electric carmaker would start with sales and then might look at assembly and manufacturing.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has tweeted several times in recent years, including as recently as October 2020, about an impending foray into India.

The move comes as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is promoting the production and use of electric vehicles to reduce the country’s oil dependence and cut down on pollution.

Elon Musk-led Tesla has registered a subsidiary company in Bengaluru as it prepares to create a much-awaited manufacturing plant and R&D unit in India. The company, registered as Tesla Motors India & Energy Pvt Ltd, has named three directors as part of its team in the country, Vaibhav Taneja, Venkatrangam Sreeram and David Jon Feinstein.

Elon Musk-led Tesla has registered a subsidiary company in Bengaluru as it prepares to create a much-awaited manufacturing plant and R&D unit in India. The company, registered as Tesla Motors India & Energy Pvt Ltd, has named three directors as part of its team in the country, Vaibhav Taneja, Venkatrangam Sreeram and David Jon Feinstein. Also read: Tesla registers India office in Bengaluru, to start operations with R&D unit It is a private unlisted company with an authorized capital of Rs 15,00,000 and a paid-up capital of Rs 1,00,000. This announcement officially marks Tesla’s India entry in the state of Karnataka. It would be interesting to see if the company would set-up its manufacturing base in Karnataka, or will continue to keep up the suspense and be wooed away by some other state. Twitter users in India couldn't contain their excitement and shared their views on Tesla's much-anticipated arrival in the country. Proud moment for Karnataka as Tesla enters India by registering in Bengaluru. Truly, Bengaluru is the beating heart of Indian innovation. Hope one day Bengaluru will be the greatest innovation hub in the world. — Abhishek (@AbhishBanerj) January 13, 2021 × Some netizens rushed to buy the company's much-awaited electric cars and shared the copies of their bills after purchasing their ''dream cars''. It's here!! Welcome Tesla!! 😍😍🔥🔥 #Teslaindia pic.twitter.com/qqAn9b4ok8 — Ronit Gupta (@ronit_gupta18) January 13, 2021 × However, few netizens warned Tesla about India's notorious traffic jams and expressed their scepticism about the uneven roads. #Teslaindia Tesla Be aware about Indian traffic, "Auto drive" mode may not be working here... pic.twitter.com/Vo9ttaF0wV — fᵣₑₑ wₐy 🗨 (@T_O_freeway) January 13, 2021 × #Teslaindia elon musk after seeing the condition of indian roads : pic.twitter.com/X9EpKUSkFp — Tushar Patel (@tusharrrpatel) January 12, 2021 × Tesla on Indian roads.#Teslaindia 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/XIZLfGXf7B — Kachre Wala (@GaadiWalaa) January 12, 2021 × Elon Musk, who recently became the wealthiest individual in the world overtaking Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, also enjoys a cult-figure like status in India as he does abroad which has added to the growing demand for Tesla and its products. India’s transport minister Nitin Gadkari told a local newspaper in December the US electric carmaker would start with sales and then might look at assembly and manufacturing. Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has tweeted several times in recent years, including as recently as October 2020, about an impending foray into India. The move comes as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is promoting the production and use of electric vehicles to reduce the country’s oil dependence and cut down on pollution.

Twitter users 'stuck in traffic jam' with memes after Tesla officially enters India