Archive — US — techcrunch
Amanda Scales, a Musk hire who helped lead DOGE, has returned to xAI
Amanda Scales has returned to xAI after working on the government efficiency initiative under Elon Musk. Her rejoining comes as Musk plans to focus more on his companies and less on DOGE, following a decline in Tesla's sales and employee unrest about his leadership.
Key points
- Amanda Scales previously worked in human resources at xAI and has now returned to oversee talent acquisition.
- Elon Musk has announced intentions to pull back from involvement with DOGE to concentrate on his companies.
- Tesla has experienced declining sales, prompting concerns over Musk's diversified focus.
- An open letter from Tesla employees called for Musk's removal, highlighting dissatisfaction with his leadership.
Why it matters
- Musk's challenges with employee relations at Tesla indicate potential risks for companies led by high-profile figures.
- The shift in Musk's focus reflects a broader trend in 2025 IT where leaders are urged to deliver results and maintain core business commitments.
Scales' return to xAI signals a strategic shift for Musk as he prioritizes company stability over speculative ventures, potentially influencing operational effectiveness amid growing employee concerns.