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Tesla ( TSLA ) is making big changes as it maneuvers to reverse its current negative momentum, and one fund manager has an unexpected take.

For months, the former electric vehicle (EV) leader has battled high volatility and consumer backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s concerning behavior. His highly polarizing actions have prompted consumers across the globe to either opt against buying a Tesla EV or sell the one they already own, severely compromising the company’s sales.

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While Musk promised in April that he would be stepping back from his responsibilities at the Department of Government Efficiency, TSLA stock is still down 8% year-to-date. As shares have fallen, speculation has risen that the company may consider making changes at the leadership level.

One prominent shareholder recently called for Musk to step down. But more recently, he issued another shocking prediction for the company’s future.

Fund manager has blunt words regarding Musk’s likely next steps

One of the financial sector’s most outspoken voices on Musk is Ross Gerber. A longtime Tesla shareholder and the co-founder and CEO of wealth management firm Gerber Kawasaki, he has never shied away from offering opinions on Musk and Tesla, even if they are sometimes controversial.

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As noted, Gerber called for Musk to replace himself with another CEO earlier this year, claiming that repairing the damage he has done to the brand requires a new leader. Last week, he revealed what he thinks Musk will do in the near future and where he sees Tesla leading.

In a series of X posts on May 16, Gerber laid out his near-term predictions for Musk and Tesla’s futures. While highlighting several major changes recently announced for Tesla’s board, he said he thinks Musk will end up being chairman as he believes the position will soon be vacant.

This seems to be due to the fact that Robyn Denholm, the company’s current board chair, recently offloaded a significant amount of Tesla stock, indicating that she may be on her way out.

Specifically, as TheStreet reports , “In just the last six months, she has sold $198 million in Tesla shares. These sales were executed under a 10b5-1 agreement that allows insiders from publicly traded companies to sell their shares.”

Gerber also highlighted Tesla’s decision to appoint Jack Hartung, the former president of popular Mexican food chain Chipotle, to its board. Noting his experience in the consumer products space, the fund manager speculated that Hartung may be able to help repair Tesla’s damaged brand, particularly as the company maneuvers to launch a cab business.

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“Not to mention he actually seems like a real independent director,” Gerber says of Hartung. “Which is what they need if they are to pass a new pay package and not have it shot down. After all, Denholm has made $500 mil. selling Tesla stock recently. Hard to call her independent.”

Will Musk end up leading Tesla from a different position?

At this point, it is difficult to assess what Musk will do or whether his role at Tesla will change in the short term, given his unpredictable nature. While other experts have also speculated that it would likely be in the company’s best interest for him to step down, Musk seems intent on remaining in control.

Related: Billionaire fund manager unloads 600 million of Tesla stock

Gerber, known for his scathing criticisms of Musk and Tesla, seemed slightly more positive in his recent takes on the company. He acknowledged that there haven’t been any negative headlines involving Musk and DOGE for two weeks.

That said, he also added that “Tesla sales are down big time while trying to launch a cab service with software and hardware that basically doesn’t work yet,” making it clear that he is still not confident in the company’s ability to usher in a turnaround and start making real progress.

This comes at a highly pivotal time for Tesla as it prepares to launch its autonomous robotaxi fleet in Austin, a moment that its loyalists have been eagerly awaiting.

However, if its hardware and software do not work, as Gerber strongly implied, this event is likely to either be pushed back or lead to devastating results that drag down share prices.

Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast