Never mind the X-Factor, we have recently covered how Google has attracted some brilliant minds to work with the business, and after their time at Google, these ex-employees have something of an intangible charm within the employment market. Their understanding of working within a high performance business undergoing dramatic and continuous change stands them in good stead for future employment opportunities. It is not just the technology sectors that appreciate this mindset, but it is prevalent across all different types of business and industrial sector. Today, we are reporting on the news of the move of a Google employee, Jason Wheeler. Jason is one of Google’s Finance Vice Presidents and is joining Tesla Motors as the new Chief Financial Officer.
Jason’s appointment follows the retirement of Deepak Ahuja, who announced he was to retire earlier this year. His pedigree at Google involve thirteen years, working on both the acquisition and subsequent sale of Motorola and having involvement with the accounting and tax regime within the large and complicated structure. In a brief statement, Jason said this: “What the Tesla team has achieved in building compelling alternatives in transport and energy is simply incredible. I am so excited to join an amazing team dedicated to such a broad and inspiring mission. Looking forward to jumping into the fast lane.” Tesla manufactures premium electric vehicles and announced results, which initially caused the stock price to drop. However, the share price rose in after hours trading and one of the reasons is the announcement of both Jason as the new Chief Financial Officer, and the appointment of Jon McNeill, the former Chief Executive Officer of Enservio. Jon joins as the President of Global Sales and Service.
In Tesla Motor’s quarterly report, the business adjusted its sales estimates down by around 3,000 vehicles. It also announced record production numbers but has still lost money. Efraim Levy, a senior equity analyst at Standard & Poor’s, said this on the quarterly report: “They’re losing money, but hopefully they’re moving in the right direction. They have that new second vehicle, which should help in 2016. I think overall it was a good-execution quarter.” Tesla’s losses widened to $230 million against expectations of $95 million. The business lowered the sales figures because of production challenges and poor feedback from Consumer Reports, which offset the good reputation its customer services team has with Model S reliability issues. The business is also building out the charging station infrastructure, building the world’s largest lithium ion battery factory in conjunction with Panasonic, and developing the Model 3, a lower cost ($35,000) electric car due out in 2018. Jason joins Tesla at an interesting time for the business.