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Tesla Faces Uphill Battle With Shareholder Votes

May 19, 2024

In a bid to navigate the treacherous terrain of shareholder approval, Tesla’s chairperson, Robyn Denholm, likened the challenges ahead to scaling “Mount Everest.” This revelation comes amidst the looming votes on relocating Tesla’s headquarters to Texas and ratifying CEO Elon Musk’s staggering $56 billion compensation plan. Denholm’s remarks, as reported by the Financial Times on Friday, shed light on the uphill battle the electric vehicle giant faces in its quest for shareholder support.

Denholm, who assumed the role of chairperson at Tesla in 2018, pushed back against allegations of being too closely aligned with Musk. Despite the criticism, she remains steadfast in her commitment to steering the company through these pivotal decisions.

The focal point of contention lies in Musk’s unprecedented compensation package, which hinges on Tesla’s market valuation skyrocketing to a staggering $650 billion over the span of a decade. The plan, devoid of conventional salary or cash bonuses, drew attention when a Delaware judge rejected its initial iteration in January.


Undeterred by the setback, Denholm rallied shareholders last month, seeking their reaffirmation of support for Musk’s compensation plan. With the board now in the nascent stages of a rigorous campaign, Denholm emphasized their concerted efforts to engage with shareholders leading up to the decisive vote.

Amidst the scrutiny surrounding Musk’s remuneration, Tesla’s board has found itself repeatedly under fire for its perceived proximity to the billionaire CEO. Following the legal setback to Musk’s pay package, attention shifted to Tesla’s efforts to relocate its state of incorporation from Delaware to Texas.

As the narrative unfolds, Tesla finds itself at a critical juncture, navigating a landscape fraught with regulatory scrutiny and shareholder skepticism. The outcome of these impending votes carries profound implications for the company’s trajectory and Musk’s leadership tenure. With Denholm at the helm, Tesla braces for the arduous ascent ahead, determined to surmount the challenges and secure a mandate for its ambitious vision.


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