During an appearance at an economic forum in Qatar on Tuesday, Elon Musk declared his intention to remain at the helm of Tesla for at least the next five years. The tech mogul, known for his leadership across multiple high-profile ventures, said he was “still committed” to leading the electric vehicle giant “unless I die,” adding a characteristic note of dry humor to the serious topic of executive continuity.
Musk clarified that his continued role as Tesla CEO hinges on retaining significant control over the company. According to him, having a substantial say in Tesla's direction is a key motivator for staying on as chief executive. This comment comes amid ongoing discussions about leadership succession and concerns from shareholders about how Musk divides his time between Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and other ventures.
Reflecting on Tesla’s recent performance, Musk claimed the company had already undergone a turnaround. He acknowledged that Europe currently represents the weakest market for Tesla, citing softer demand in the region. However, he pointed out that consumerinterest remains strong in other global markets, highlighting resilience in Tesla’s international growth and the continued demand for electric vehicles in major economies.
Shifting focus to Starlink—his satellite internet venture under SpaceX—Musk indicated that the company could eventually go public. However, he emphasized there was “no urgency” in taking that step. Starlink has expanded its presence significantly and now operates in more than 70 countries, with Musk pointing to emerging markets like India as key to future growth. The company aims to bridge global connectivity gaps, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Musk also shared his perspective on the regulatory landscape for artificial intelligence in the United States. He advocated for moderate regulation, warning against excessive government oversight that could stifle innovation. His comments reflect growing tensions within the tech industry, as companies race to dominate the AI frontier while regulators grapple with how to set appropriate boundaries for the rapidly evolving technology.
Meanwhile, Musk’s AI company, xAI, is ramping up its ambitions. The firm is scaling its data center infrastructure to train more sophisticated AI models, reportedly raising billions of dollars to support its growth. Central to this effort is “Colossus,” a massive supercomputing facility under construction in Memphis, Tennessee. Touted as the largest of its kind in the world, Colossus signals Musk’s determination to position xAI as a major contender in the increasingly competitive AI arms race.