Inside the infighting over Mr. Musk's huge fortune
A new entourage gaining influence over philanthropic giving and a veteran wealth manager calling for his removal
AUSTIN, Texas—Jared Virtual, 48, had a crush on his boss, Elon Musk, late last year.
A no-nonsense asset manager, Mr. Virtual became Mr. Musk's right-hand man and rose to become the head of his family office (the management of the personal wealth of the ultra-rich). He was concerned about a new figure in Musk's circle who was rapidly gaining influence.
Mr. Musk increasingly turned to his new advisor, former professional poker player Igor Kurganov, 34, from Russia. During the outbreak of the new coronavirus, Mr. Kurganov stayed at Mr. Musk's house and talked until midnight. The topic of discussion was how to put Musk's vast personal fortune to good use through a philanthropic strategy dubbed "effective altruism."
Despite having zero experience in finance and security, Mr. Kurganov quickly emerged as a central figure in both areas for Mr. Musk. He moved from London to Texas and replaced some of Musk's security personnel with people of his own choosing. Soon after, Musk, who was so attached to Mr. Kurganov, decided to let Kurganov manage his philanthropic funds from his personal fortune, which is now estimated to be about $230 billion. was
Mr. Virtual told Mr. Mask as follows. "Elon, you can't do that." Three officials who were briefed later revealed.
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