Tesla CFO Sets New Pay Record Amid Scrutiny

Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja received a record $139 million compensation package in 2024, making him the highest-paid CFO since modern disclosure standards began and surpassing the pay of top tech CEOs such as Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai. The bulk of Taneja’s compensation came from stock options and equity awards granted after his promotion, with Tesla shares rising since his award. His pay eclipses the previous CFO record of $86 million from Nikola in 2020. Tesla is facing its first drop in global vehicle deliveries in over a decade and a 71% plunge in Q1 net profit, prompting scrutiny of its executive compensation strategy. CEO Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package remains in legal limbo after a Delaware court ruling, and Tesla has amended its bylaws to limit future shareholder lawsuits. Musk has reaffirmed his commitment to remain CEO and addressed concerns about his political activities impacting Tesla’s performance.