8-KLeadership ChangesShareholder MattersCorporate Changes+1

Tesla, Inc. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Jun 8, 2012)

Filed June 8, 2012For Securities:TSLA

Summary

This Form 8-K filing from Tesla Motors, Inc. on June 8, 2012, details key corporate governance and executive compensation updates. A significant point for investors is the new commission structure for George Blankenship, VP of World Wide Sales & Ownership Experience, who will receive $15.00 for each Model S delivered in 2012. This aligns executive incentives with sales performance for the highly anticipated Model S. Additionally, the company's bylaws were amended to allow the Board of Directors and its committees to act by a vote of non-disqualified or non-abstaining members, even if a quorum is not present. This procedural change could expedite decision-making. The filing also reports on the outcome of the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, including the election of Class II directors and the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent auditor.

Key Highlights

  • 1George Blankenship's compensation now includes a $15 commission per Model S delivered in 2012, directly incentivizing sales.
  • 2Tesla amended its bylaws to allow the Board of Directors and committees to act without a quorum under specific voting conditions, potentially speeding up decision-making.
  • 3The 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders saw the election of Class II directors, including Antonio J. Gracias and Kimbal Musk.
  • 4Stockholders ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Tesla's independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2012.
  • 5The filing indicates strong shareholder support for the ratification of the independent auditor.
  • 6The changes to the bylaws are designed to enhance corporate governance flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

George Blankenship, VP of World Wide Sales & Ownership Experience, will receive a commission of $15.00 for each Model S delivered to customers in the 2012 calendar year. Payments will be made monthly.

The company's bylaws were amended to allow the Board of Directors and committees to take action by a vote of non-disqualified or non-abstaining members, even if those members do not constitute a quorum. This change aims to provide more flexibility in decision-making.

Antonio J. Gracias and Kimbal Musk were elected as Class II directors to serve a three-year term.

Yes, the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Tesla's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012, was ratified by the stockholders.