Musk’s Ad Chief at X Departs After Just 10 Months
Musk’s ad chief at X departs after just 10 months, marking yet another shake-up within Elon Musk’s social media empire. According to the Financial Times, John Nitti has stepped down from his position as X’s global head of revenue operations and advertising innovation—a role he took less than a year ago.
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Nitti’s departure deepens concerns over X’s ongoing instability, especially as the company faces mounting pressure from advertisers and a rapidly evolving AI agenda.
A Promising Hire Turned Short-Lived Tenure
When John Nitti joined X, he was seen as a strong candidate to eventually replace former CEO Linda Yaccarino, who resigned in July. His abrupt exit adds to a growing list of senior departures from Musk’s companies.
Recent months have seen the exits of X’s CFO Mahmoud Reza Banki, who left after less than a year, and key figures from xAI—including its CFO and general counsel—who resigned earlier this summer.
Leadership Turmoil and Frustration Inside X
Reports suggest that tensions have been simmering behind the scenes. Multiple insiders told FT that Musk’s unpredictable leadership style and frequent strategic pivots have frustrated executives. One notable example was his decision to ban hashtags from advertisements—allegedly made without consulting his own ad team.
This pattern of impulsive changes has created friction among top leaders, many of whom joined X to help stabilize and modernize its ad business after Musk’s 2022 takeover.
The Growing Strain on X’s Advertising Operations
Advertising remains the core of X’s business model, yet it has been under constant strain. Since Musk’s controversial comments to advertisers in late 2023—telling them to “go f*** yourself”—the company’s ad recovery has been rocky.
While some major brands have returned following outreach from Musk and Yaccarino, others continue to express hesitation. Insiders say some advertisers feel pressured to resume spending, especially after X filed lawsuits against companies like Shell and Pinterest for allegedly boycotting the platform.
AI Investments Diverting Focus and Resources
A major point of tension appears to be Musk’s push to funnel billions into AI projects under his xAI venture. While Musk envisions tight integration between X and xAI, sources claim that the intense focus on AI is draining attention and resources from the platform’s core advertising efforts.
The result? A leadership team stretched thin, morale issues across departments, and a company still searching for a clear path to profitability.
What Nitti’s Departure Means for X’s Future
Nitti’s exit could signal deeper problems with Musk’s management approach and the long-term viability of X’s advertising business. As brands continue to weigh reputational risks, X’s reliance on AI-driven innovation may not be enough to rebuild trust or revenue.
Industry observers believe X must stabilize its executive ranks and rebuild advertiser confidence if it hopes to remain competitive in a market increasingly dominated by Meta, TikTok, and YouTube.
Musk’s ad chief at X departs after just 10 months, but his exit is more than just another headline—it’s a symptom of larger organizational challenges. With repeated turnover, advertiser unease, and shifting priorities toward AI, X faces one of its most critical crossroads yet.
Whether Elon Musk can balance his AI ambitions with the platform’s ad-driven foundation remains the ultimate test for X’s future.
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