Amanda Scales, a former executive at xAI with a background in human resources and talent acquisition, has returned to the company following a brief stint in the public sector. According to a report by The New York Times, Scales recently rejoined xAI and is once again working on its talent initiatives, as confirmed by her LinkedIn profile. Her return comes at a time when xAI is navigating internal restructuring and its founder, Elon Musk, appears to be shifting focus away from political endeavors.
Scales had previously held a key role at xAI, helping to build out its early workforce. She also brought a wealth of experience from her previous roles at high-profile companies, including Uber and Human Capital, a venture capital firm known for its talent-driven investment approach. Notably, she also worked at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, where she was part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative reportedly championed by Musk to bring Silicon Valley-style efficiency to federal operations.
Her return to xAI coincides with Musk signaling a retreat from his political activities. According to the Times, Musk has become noticeably less active in Washington recently. In an earnings call with Wall Street analysts, he indicated plans to step back from politics and refocus on his core businesses—Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI.
This change in priorities comes as Tesla faces mounting pressure. The automaker has seen a dip in sales, and internal dissatisfaction is becoming more visible. Just last month, a group of Tesla employees went so far as to publish an open letter demanding Musk’s removal as CEO, citing his increasing distraction with political ventures like DOGE as a key concern.
Scales’ re-entry into xAI suggests a strategic effort to bolster its leadership team and stabilize operations at a time of shifting priorities and external scrutiny.
