J.B. Straubel, co-founder of Tesla, is officially returning to the company in a new role

Tesla co-founder JB Straubel has been officially appointed to the company's board of directors following a successful shareholder vote. This move marks Straubel's return to Tesla, where he previously served as the chief technology officer (CTO) and played a pivotal role in establishing the company's technological edge in batteries and power electronics.

JB Straubel was a co-founder at Tesla and the company’s longtime chief technology officer until he left in 2019 to launch Redwood Materials, which is helping create a North American battery supply chain.

Last month, Tesla disclosed that Hiromichi Mizuno, the head of Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund, is not going to seek re-election on Tesla’s board. Instead, the company’s board nominated Straubel – pending a shareholder vote.

Today, Tesla’s held its annual shareholder meeting, and the company’s investors voted to have Straubel on the board for the next three years. Attendees warmly welcomed Straubel back, reflecting the admiration and respect he has garnered throughout his tenure at Tesla.

From a fan's perspective, Straubel's return is a cause for celebration. His early advocacy for electric transportation has long been admired, showcasing his deep understanding of the subject matter. While his new role is limited to the board of directors, it sparks speculation that Straubel could potentially assume the role of CEO from Elon Musk in the future.

Source: Electrek