Leslie Peltier: a new strategic leader for Citroën's global communications

The leadership landscape at Citroën is undergoing a significant evolution as the new season begins. The iconic French brand has officially announced the appointment of Leslie Peltier to the position of Global Head of Communications. She will assume her new role on September 8th, succeeding Stéphane Cesareo. This anticipated transition within the Stellantis ecosystem sees Mr. Cesareo advancing to new responsibilities, where he will oversee the communication coordination for all brands and technologies within the Enlarged Europe region. This appointment heralds a new era for Citroën, one that firmly places communication at the core of its transformation strategy, driven directly by its CEO, Xavier Chardon.

A strategic duo to pilot Citroën's brand image

The arrival of Leslie Peltier is no coincidence; it is a deliberate and strategic choice made by Xavier Chardon. By appointing her, Citroën's CEO is bringing in a professional whom he knows intimately and whose capabilities he trusts implicitly. Before taking the lead at Citroën, Xavier Chardon was the president of Volkswagen Group France, where Leslie Peltier was the head of communications. This prior professional relationship ensures a foundation of synergy and a shared vision, which will be a tremendous asset in navigating the challenges ahead. Xavier Chardon made no secret of his enthusiasm about this professional reunion, stating, "I am very happy to be working with Leslie Peltier again. Her expertise, professionalism, and listening skills are essential assets to strengthen the brand's influence and deepen the relationship with the media." Beyond acknowledging the skills of his new director, this statement underscores a clear ambition: to significantly bolster Citroën's image and appeal on a global scale.

A rich career to serve a new ambition

At 46 years old, Leslie Peltier brings with her a deep and diverse understanding of the automotive industry, cultivated within some of its most prestigious groups. Holding a European Master's Degree in International Marketing from ISIC, her career began in Germany in 1997 with Mercedes-Benz. She then joined DaimlerChrysler France in 1998, where she held various roles in Press Relations for the esteemed brand, mastering the intricacies of communication for a premium manufacturer. Her career took a significant turn in 2003 when she joined Volkswagen Group France. There, she demonstrated remarkable versatility, successively holding positions as Head of Press Relations for SEAT, and later as Head of Press Relations for Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Her journey culminated in her overseeing both internal and external communications for the entire group in France, as well as coordinating communications across all its brands. It is with this robust experience that she will take on her duties as Global Head of Communications for Citroën starting September 8th. A final organizational detail, yet one that speaks volumes, completes this appointment: she will report directly to Xavier Chardon. As the CEO himself specifies, this direct reporting line is a powerful signal: "By attaching the Communications Department directly to the General Management, we are affirming the central role that communication plays in the transformation and future of Citroën."

In conclusion, Leslie Peltier's appointment is far more than a simple change on Citroën's organizational chart. It symbolizes a genuine strategic turning point for the brand. On one hand, the decision to have the head of communications report directly to the CEO demonstrates a clear commitment to making Citroën's image and messaging an absolute priority. This proximity will enable greater agility and ensure a perfect alignment between the corporate vision and its media execution. On the other hand, the reunion of the professional duo of Xavier Chardon and Leslie Peltier, building on their successful collaboration at Volkswagen, suggests the implementation of a precise and ambitious roadmap. This pre-existing synergy is a valuable accelerator at a time when Citroën must navigate the challenges of electrification, assert its unique positioning of comfort and audacity within the Stellantis portfolio, and prepare for the launch of models that are crucial for its future. A promising new chapter is therefore opening for the communications of the iconic French brand.