Asian Tech Press (Jan 3) -- Tesla Inc. has promoted its China chief Tom Zhu to a global role, sources said.

Tesla's China chief Tom Zhu has taken over responsibilities for sales, service, and deliveries in North America, U.S. news website Electrek said Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The move makes Tom Tesla's highest-profile executive after CEO Elon Musk, directly overseeing deliveries and operations of its key production centers in all major markets.

Last month, news broke that Musk had assigned Zhu to help run the company's newest factory in Austin, Texas. Prior to that, Zhu had overseen the construction of Tesla's Shanghai gigafactory.

Electrek noted that Zhu began a broader role in the U.S., starting with responsibility for sales, deliveries and service in North America.

For now, Zhu's official title remains vice president for Asia Pacific, but people familiar with the matter said Zhu has now joined the organization chart for Tesla's North American sales, service and delivery.

Troy Jones, Tesla's vice president of North American sales and service, who has previously served as head of North American sales for several years and reported directly to Elon Musk, now reports directly to Zhu.