Tesla’s Vice President of Finance and Business Operations, Sreela Venkataratnam, has announced her departure from the electric vehicle giant after an impressive 11-year stint. Her exit marks the end of an era that saw Tesla transform from a niche automaker to a global EV powerhouse. This news was first reported by Sawyer Merritt on Twitter

From Startup to Industry Leader

Venkataratnam joined Tesla in 2013 when the company was still in its early stages. “I joined as Director of Finance Operations in early 2013, when Tesla was a company with less than $1B in yearly revenues, a market cap of ~$4B and less than 3000 cars delivered in a year,” she reflected in her LinkedIn post.

During her tenure, Tesla experienced explosive growth. The company’s annual revenues surged to nearly $100 billion, its market capitalization peaked at $1 trillion during the pandemic (currently around $700 billion), and yearly vehicle deliveries skyrocketed to over 1.8 million units.

Key Contributions to Tesla’s Success

As one of only two female VPs at Tesla, Venkataratnam played a crucial role in the company’s rapid expansion. She contributed to the development and launch of several key models, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and the highly anticipated Cybertruck.

Her team was instrumental in revolutionizing the car-buying experience, implementing an automated DMV process for vehicle registration in numerous states. Additionally, they managed cash flow to support Tesla’s global growth, ensuring investments in new markets across Europe, China, and other regions.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Reflecting on her time at Tesla, Venkataratnam expressed gratitude for the collaborative environment and the opportunity to drive meaningful change. “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,” she stated.

As she steps away from Tesla, Venkataratnam plans to take a break to focus on personal priorities before seeking her next professional challenge.

EVXL’s Take

Venkataratnam’s departure from Tesla marks the end of a significant chapter in the company’s history. Her tenure coincided with Tesla’s transformation from an ambitious startup to the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer. This transition period highlights the rapid evolution of the EV industry as a whole.

As Tesla continues to push boundaries in the EV space, it’s worth noting that other manufacturers are also making strides. For instance, Lucid Motors has been gaining attention with its luxury electric sedans, potentially challenging Tesla’s dominance in the high-end EV market. The competition in the EV sector is intensifying, which could lead to further innovations and improved offerings for consumers.

Photo courtesy of Tesla