India, March 10 -- Tesla Vice President of Finance Sendil Palani has stepped down after spending nearly 17 years at the electric vehicle maker. Palani announced the move in a post on X, reflecting on his long journey at the company and recalling the early days when Tesla was struggling to stay afloat.

"After seventeen incredible years, my latest chapter at Tesla has come to a close," Palani wrote, describing his time at the company as deeply fulfilling. He said he joined Tesla in late 2008 when the company was facing serious financial pressure. "Tesla barely survived Christmas 2008. I started a few days later in our Finance team, under an ongoing 'Tesla Deathwatch'," he said.

Palani also recalled the intense work culture in Tesla's earl...