Omead Afshar is a prominent figure in the tech industry, known for his close relationship with Elon Musk and his pivotal role at Tesla. Born in the U.S. to Iranian parents, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, in 2009. Before joining Tesla, Afshar worked as a product engineer at St. Jude Medical and Abbott Laboratories, where he handled high-voltage operations.
Afshar became part of Tesla in 2017, initially working as a project manager in the Office of the CEO. His remarkable problem-solving abilities quickly earned him the nickname “Musk Whisperer,” reflecting his close alignment with Musk’s vision and leadership style. He became a key figure in Tesla’s operations, particularly in North America and Europe. One of his significant achievements was overseeing the construction of Tesla’s massive Gigafactory in Texas, a monumental task that solidified his reputation within the company.
In addition to his work at Tesla, Afshar was also involved with Musk’s other ventures. In 2022, he was promoted to Vice President at SpaceX and played an important role in the restructuring of X (formerly Twitter) after Musk’s acquisition. His leadership extended beyond Tesla, making him a central figure in Musk’s broader business empire.
Afshar’s influence continued to grow as he returned to Tesla in 2024 as Vice President for North American and European operations. However, in June 2025, he was dismissed from his role amid challenges in the company, including declining sales in key regions. His departure came alongside other executive exits, marking a significant shift in Tesla’s leadership.
Early Life and Education
Born in the United States to Iranian parents, Afshar pursued higher education at the University of California, Irvine, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on Mechanical Engineering. Graduating in 2009, he initially worked as a ski instructor at Mammoth Mountain before transitioning into the medical field.
Early Career and Entry into Tesla
Omead Afshar’s professional journey commenced in the medical device industry. He joined St. Jude Medical in 2011 as a product engineer, where he spent six years advancing into leadership roles. In 2017, Afshar transitioned to Tesla, initially serving as a Project Manager in the Office of the CEO, directly under Elon Musk’s leadership. His ability to understand and execute Musk’s vision quickly earned him the nickname “Musk Whisperer,” reflecting his deep alignment with Musk’s strategic objectives.
Leadership at Tesla
Afshar’s tenure at Tesla was marked by significant achievements and increasing responsibilities. He played a pivotal role in overseeing the construction of Tesla’s 10-million-square-foot Gigafactory in Texas, a project that underscored his operational expertise. His leadership extended to various facets of the company, including sales, service, delivery, and energy operations. In 2022, Afshar was promoted to Vice President at SpaceX, contributing to the company’s operations and aligning strategies with Musk’s long-term vision. He also played a significant role in the restructuring of X (formerly Twitter) after Musk’s acquisition, assisting in streamlining costs and implementing restructuring strategies.
Afshar returned to Tesla in 2024 and was appointed Vice President of North American and European operations, overseeing sales and manufacturing in these key regions.
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Dismissal from Tesla
In June 2025, Afshar was dismissed from his role at Tesla amid challenges within the company, particularly in North America and Europe, where the company was experiencing declining sales. His departure coincided with a broader trend of executive exits from Tesla, signaling a shift in the leadership structure. The reasons behind his dismissal were tied to the ongoing struggles the company faced during this period, highlighting the challenges of sustaining growth and profitability in an increasingly competitive market. Despite his exit, Afshar’s impact on Tesla, especially in overseeing massive projects like the Gigafactory, remains part of the company’s legacy.
Personal Life
Afshar is known for his dedication to his work, often going above and beyond to ensure the success of the projects he oversees. He has been described as a perfectionist with a hands-on approach, personally vetting submissions for critical projects. Despite his demanding career, he has managed to maintain a level of privacy regarding his personal life.
Conclusion
Omead Afshar’s career trajectory reflects a blend of technical expertise, operational acumen, and strategic leadership. His close association with Elon Musk and his significant contributions to Tesla’s growth underscore his role as a key figure in the company’s history. While his departure from Tesla marks the end of an era, Afshar’s impact on the company and the broader tech industry remains noteworthy.
FAQs
What is Omead Afshar’s educational background?
Omead Afshar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine.
When did Afshar join Tesla?
Afshar joined Tesla in September 2017 as a Project Manager in the Office of the CEO.
What role did Afshar play in Tesla’s Gigafactory?
Afshar oversaw the construction of Tesla’s 10-million-square-foot Gigafactory in Texas, contributing significantly to the project’s success.
Has Afshar worked at other companies?
Yes, Afshar briefly worked at Abbott Laboratories in 2017 before joining Tesla.
What is Afshar’s relationship with Elon Musk?
Afshar is considered one of Elon Musk’s closest confidants, often referred to as Musk’s “fixer” due to his pivotal role in executing Musk’s vision.
Has Afshar held positions at other companies within Musk’s ventures?
Yes, Afshar was promoted to Vice President at SpaceX in 2022 and played a significant role in the restructuring of X (formerly Twitter) after Musk’s acquisition.
What was Afshar’s role at Tesla in 2024?
In 2024, Afshar returned to Tesla and was appointed Vice President of North American and European operations, overseeing sales and manufacturing in these regions.
Why did Afshar leave Tesla in 2025?
Afshar was dismissed from his role at Tesla amid challenges in the company, including declining sales in key regions.
Is Afshar involved in any other ventures?
As of now, there is no public information indicating that Afshar is involved in other ventures.
