Hartung joins at a delicate moment for Tesla, which is struggling with declining sales and a broad consumer backlash against Musk’s work for and association with US President Donald Trump. Some shareholders also have raised concerns about a perceived lack of independence among Tesla directors, which includes Musk’s brother, Kimbal.
Tesla shares rose 1.5% at 9:44 a.m. in New York. The stock fell 15% this year through Thursday’s close.
