According to The Wall Street Journal, a new report suggests that Elon Musk is not the one truly leading the company even though he remains the company’s public face. In fact, it is actually Zach Kirkhorn, who assumed the role of chief financial officer at Tesla approximately four years ago, the individual who holds the real power.
At the time Kirkhorn took on the position of CFO, Tesla’s valuation stood at around $50 billion. Presently, the company’s value exceeds $500 billion.
The report attributes Tesla’s accomplishments primarily to Kirkhorn, who has mastered the art of collaborating with Musk without overshadowing him. This winning approach could possibly explain the automaker’s remarkable ascent, even in the face of Musk’s chaotic management style.
This accomplishment is noteworthy, especially when considering the challenging task Kirkhorn has had to handle in dealing with Musk, particularly in recent times.
As Musk is currently overseeing multiple companies, his attention is divided among them. Last year, following his problematic acquisition of Twitter, Tesla investors accused him of neglecting his responsibilities at Tesla.
Kirkhorn only has 63 followers on Twitter and keeps his account private but the subtle CFO has apparently been very smooth in implementing a number of manufacturing efficiencies. As the WSJ puts it, “helped the company deliver 15 consecutive profitable quarters and amass a $22 billion war chest.”
According to the report, Kirkhorn has excelled in the role of mediator between Musk and other Tesla staff members. Importantly, he has the ability to navigate Musk’s peculiar and ambitious requests, breaking down seemingly impossible demands into smaller, attainable steps.
“He doesn’t take the limelight from Elon,” Kurt Kelty, a vice president at battery-materials company Sila and former senior director of battery technology at Tesla told the WSJ.
All this aside, Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla and all his successes are and will be traced back to him but it’s good to see Musk has someone else at his hand considering how things are over are Twitter.