Norway’s $2.1 Trillion Wealth Fund to Vote Against Elon Musk’s $1 Trillion Tesla Pay Deal

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, announced Tuesday that it will vote against Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s proposed $1 trillion compensation package — potentially the largest CEO pay deal in corporate history. The vote will take place at Tesla’s annual general meeting on November 6.

Tesla’s board is urging shareholders to approve the plan, warning that rejecting it could prompt Musk to leave the $1.5 trillion automaker. The proposal, however, has drawn criticism from investors and proxy advisory firms who say the package is excessive and could give Musk disproportionate control.

The Norwegian fund, officially known as Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), said while it recognizes the “significant value created” under Musk’s leadership, it is concerned about the award’s overall size, potential shareholder dilution, and Tesla’s heavy reliance on Musk’s role. NBIM also confirmed it would vote against Tesla’s general employee compensation plan and two of three board members up for re-election, including Kathleen Wilson-Thompson and Ira Ehrenpreis.

Musk’s proposed deal would grant him stock awards worth up to $1 trillion over 10 years, though Reuters estimates the actual value after cost deductions could total around $878 billion. The package would only fully vest if Tesla’s market value climbs to $8.5 trillion — roughly six times its current valuation.

Despite opposition from major investors, the pay deal is expected to pass due to broad shareholder support and Musk’s own 13.5% voting stake.