Tesla Inc. approved an interim stock award worth about $30 billion for Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk, a massive payout meant to keep the billionaire’s attention on the automaker as a legal fight over a 2018 pay package drags on.

Tesla Inc. approved an interim stock award worth about $30 billion for Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk, a massive payout meant to keep the billionaire’s attention on the automaker as a legal fight over a 2018 pay package drags on.

Tesla has handed its chief executive, Elon Musk, shares worth almost $30bn after the billionaire warned he could leave unless he was given greater control over the company. In a filing, Tesla said it had awarded Mr Musk 96m shares valued at roughly $29bn as part of an interim 2025 award that will vest in two years’ time.