Stellantis: Antonio Filosa appointed new CEO of the group

The organizational chart of Stellantis has undergone significant changes in recent months. Following the departure of Carlos Tavares, John Elkann served as interim head of the group while actively searching for a permanent successor. After a thorough evaluation process of internal and external candidates, the choice ultimately fell on Antonio Filosa, who will officially take on the role of CEO of Stellantis starting June 23rd.

Antonio Filosa's track record: solid experience recognized by Stellantis leadership

The appointment of Antonio Filosa as the head of Stellantis is the result of a successful 25-year career within the automotive industry. His experience has been built through various roles and in different regions of the world, providing him with a deep understanding of the sector's challenges and intimate knowledge of the Stellantis company. Prior to this appointment, Antonio Filosa notably led Stellantis' operations in North and South America. His tenure as COO for South America was marked by the leadership of the FIAT brand in this market and the significant development of the Peugeot, Citroën, Ram, and Jeep® brands. This dynamic allowed Stellantis to strengthen its leading position in the region. He is also credited with the creation of the Pernambuco plant, a major automotive hub in South America, which enabled the successful launch of the Jeep® brand in Brazil, quickly elevating the brand to the top position outside the United States.

As CEO of Jeep®, Antonio Filosa worked to expand the brand's global presence, including in Europe where its models, such as the Jeep Avenger, are highly successful. In December 2024, he was promoted to COO for the Americas, where he focused on strengthening operations in the United States, notably by reducing excessive dealer inventories, reorganizing the management team, piloting the introduction of new products and powertrains, and intensifying dialogue with dealers, unions, and suppliers. Based on this track record, John Elkann, Executive Chairman of Stellantis, stated: "In this next crucial phase of Stellantis’ development, Antonio shows a real understanding of our industry, our company, and its employees, whom he considers our primary strength. I have worked closely with Antonio over the past six months, during which his responsibilities have increased. His strong and effective leadership, in North and South America, at a time of unprecedented challenges, has confirmed that he has the qualities and the drive to become Stellantis’ CEO. Together with the entire Board, I look forward to working with him."

Robert Peugeot, Vice Chairman of Stellantis, added: "We unanimously welcome Antonio’s appointment as our new CEO. His proven leadership over his many years within our company speaks for itself, and this, combined with his deep knowledge of our business and the complex dynamics our industry faces, makes him the obvious choice to become Stellantis’ next CEO."

A new direction for Stellantis starting june 23rd

Antonio Filosa's official arrival at the helm of Stellantis is scheduled for June 23rd. To enable him to fully exercise his functions and ensure a smooth transition, the Board of Directors has already granted him the powers of CEO. On this date, Antonio Filosa is also expected to announce the composition of his new management team.

After several months of reorganization within the group, there is hope that this new leadership team will bring stability and allow the heads of the various brands, including Citroën, and services to fully focus on their missions. Avoiding another phase of organizational upheaval would be beneficial for the continuity of strategies and the development of the group's brands.

The sudden departure of Carlos Tavares undoubtedly introduced a period of uncertainty within Stellantis. However, the group has maintained its course and multiplied initiatives, granting greater autonomy to its regions and strengthening its ties with key partners, whether they are states, distribution networks, or suppliers. The appointment of Antonio Filosa marks an important step and should allow Stellantis to move forward with renewed momentum. His experience and the trust placed in him by the leadership are positive signals for the future development of the group and its brands.