Leadership exodus at Tesla continues as software chief leaves

Tesla’s executive ranks continue to thin as David Lau, Vice President of Software Engineering and a key figure behind the company’s vehicle software platform, cloud services, and manufacturing systems, is stepping down. He served nearly 13 years with the automaker. 

Lau’s departure, first reported by Bloomberg, adds to a growing list of long-tenured leaders leaving the company, which seems to align with the most turbulent period in recent memory. 

Software backbone

Lau joined Tesla in 2012 as Senior Manager of Firmware Engineering. He quickly advanced, becoming a Director two years later and then Vice President of Software Engineering in 2017. Over more than a decade, Lau helped build Tesla’s software backbone—an area that has long set the company apart from traditional automakers. He was in a key position for Tesla’s success.

His teams were responsible for many systems across Tesla’s vehicle software, including firmware for powertrain and battery management, traction control, body control systems, user interface design, navigation, and mobile applications. 

Replacing CAN bus

Beyond the vehicle, Lau also oversaw Tesla’s server-side infrastructure, data analytics platforms, manufacturing execution systems, and product cybersecurity. He was a driving force behind the integration of Tesla’s Etherloop system, an alternative for the automotive CAN bus.

This system reduced wiring and complexity while improving data transmission speed, integrating audio and noise cancellation, and supporting the company’s shift to 48-volt electrical systems.

Lau’s exit comes at a time when Tesla is facing both internal strife and public backlash. In recent months, there have been a string of executive departures, including Petter Winberg, Principal CAE Crash Safety Engineer; Marc Van Impe, Global Vehicle Automation and Safety Policy Lead; and CIO Nagesh Saldi. The departures coincide with Tesla’s weakest first-quarter sales in over two years and its continuing struggle to maintain its edge in a fast-evolving electric vehicle market.

Growing unease

The protests erupting across the U.S. and Europe, where Tesla customers and former supporters are speaking out against CEO Elon Musk’s political affiliations, are literally adding fuel to the fire. Vandalism targeting Tesla Superchargers and boycotts of Tesla vehicles have further intensified pressure on the brand.

Unease is growing inside the company. Employees have raised concerns about leadership turnover, with some even calling for Musk’s resignation. Lau’s decision to leave—though not officially commented on—appears to reflect deeper unrest at the senior level. Musk himself is expected to leave his role as DOGE chief in the Trump administration to refocus on his corporate responsibilities. 

Lau’s departure removes yet another cornerstone of Tesla’s software-led strategy, which is becoming increasingly crucial as carmakers shift towards autonomous vehicles like the Cybercab. Losing its top architect in the field may leave Tesla struggling to maintain the technological edge that once defined it.