Tesla Optimus robot VP is leaving the company, CEO bids farewell

Milan Kovac, VP of Tesla Optimus division, has announced that he’s leaving the company due to personal reasons, which is a big setback for the program’s advancement.

Joined Tesla in 2016, Milan has been a part of Tesla for about a decade. He has worked in the AI and engineering division and contributed to several projects that have become products. Milan mentioned that his exit from the company is completely personal, and he explained the reason.

“This week, I’ve had to make the most difficult decision of my life and will be moving out of my position. I’ve been far away from home for too long, and will need to spend more time with family abroad. I want to make it clear that this is the only reason, and has absolutely nothing to do with anything else.” Milan wrote on X.

He was transitioned to the Optimus project in 2022 and worked on the robot’s autonomy as well as movement to make it more functional. He continues to post every new Optimus robot progress on the social media platform.

He also thanked his colleagues and Tesla CEO, Elon Musk.

“I want to thank my colleagues @aelluswamy and @srihari__ , who’ve been of a tremendous support over the many years we’ve worked together. But also all the outstanding leaders, engineers, recruiters, technicians, operators, HR partners and everyone I’ve been blessed to share a part of my life with.

Most importantly, I want to thank @elonmusk from the bottom of my heart for his trust and teachings over the decade we’ve worked together. Elon, you’ve taught me to discern signal from noise, hardcore resilience, and many fundamental principles of engineering. I am forever grateful.”

Musk later reacted to Milan’s post on X with the following farewell message.

“Milan, thank you for your outstanding contribution to Tesla over the past decade. It was an honor working with you. Enjoy the time with family.” Musk replied.