X Faces Executive Exodus Amid Musk's Strategic Shifts

John Nitti has departed from his role as X's global head of revenue operations and advertising innovation after just ten months, marking the latest in a series of high-profile executive exits under Elon Musk's leadership. Nitti was considered a potential successor to former CEO Linda Yaccarino, who resigned in July, and had shared her responsibilities with other leaders following her departure. The wave of senior departures—including X's CFO Mahmoud Reza Banki and xAI's CFO and general counsel—reflects growing frustration among executives over Musk's abrupt strategic shifts, unilateral decision-making, and management style. Musk's aggressive investments in AI to compete with OpenAI and DeepMind, alongside controversial content moderation relaxations and confrontational remarks to advertisers, have contributed to tensions and advertiser wariness. Despite challenges, X and xAI are pursuing initiatives like partnerships with Disney and leveraging AI-driven advertising metrics to regain marketer confidence, though some advertisers feel pressured following lawsuits against companies such as Shell and Pinterest. Nitti's exit underscores the continued instability within Musk's executive team amid ongoing efforts to transform the platform and expand AI capabilities.