Stellantis appoints Joao Laranjo as new Chief Financial Officer

Over the past few weeks, a sense of stability seemed to have returned to the leadership ranks at Stellantis. Following the upheaval caused by the resignation of Carlos Tavares and the appointment of Antonio Filosa as the new CEO, a series of nominations had reshaped the group's organizational chart. Once this transitional phase was complete, a welcome period of calm had begun, suggesting that the teams were now aligned and ready for the future. However, this quiet spell has now come to an end with a major announcement: the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Joao Laranjo. This change is as sudden as it is significant, occurring in a role that is absolutely strategic for the future of our brands.

An immediate appointment to ensure continuity

Stellantis announced today the appointment of Joao Laranjo as Chief Financial Officer and a member of the top executive team, effective immediately. He succeeds Doug Ostermann, who, according to the official statement, has resigned from the company for personal reasons. This unexpected departure necessitated a swift response from the group to stay the course. Joao Laranjo will assume all the responsibilities previously held by his predecessor, ensuring a seamless transition in managing the finances of a giant like Stellantis.

The group's CEO, Antonio Filosa, emphasized the legitimacy of this choice, reflecting a long-standing relationship built on trust. "Having worked closely with João for 15 years and watched him rise through the ranks, I have always been impressed with his excellent financial acumen, results-oriented approach, and deep understanding of the complexities of our industry," he stated. This familiarity between the two leaders is an undeniable asset for the cohesion of the executive team. Antonio Filosa also added, "I am pleased to welcome him to the Stellantis leadership team, as we continue to position our company for future growth and long-term success." At the same time, he made sure to thank the outgoing executive for his past commitment: "I also want to thank Doug Ostermann for his many years of dedicated service to both FCA and Stellantis."

An expert’s profile, a guarantee of financial stability

While the news of this change may be surprising, Joao Laranjo's profile is reassuring for both observers and the markets. Far from being a newcomer, he is a true connoisseur of the financial workings of the automotive industry. With over twenty years of experience in finance and auditing across various markets, he brings a deep knowledge of the sector. His career began at General Electric in 2001 before he joined Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in 2009. It was within what would become one of the founding entities of Stellantis that he climbed the corporate ladder, holding positions of increasing responsibility, notably as CFO for Latin America, where he played a key role in the region's financial transformation and growth.

In 2017, he was appointed CFO of Stellantis North America, a major position that confirmed his standing within the group. After a brief period in 2024 with tire manufacturer Goodyear as Vice President of Finance for the Americas, he had returned to Stellantis earlier this year, resuming his duties as CFO for North America under the new leadership. His promotion to the global stage, therefore, seems like a logical progression. Holding an MBA from IBMEC in Brazil and being a graduate of the prestigious Wharton School's advanced finance program, his academic background complements his solid field experience. Crucially for everyone's peace of mind, Stellantis has confirmed that this appointment does not alter its financial forecasts for 2025 in any way, nor does it change the schedule for upcoming announcements, with the third-quarter 2025 shipments and revenues release still set for October 30, 2025.

In conclusion, the appointment of Joao Laranjo, although it interrupts a period of relative calm at the top of Stellantis, is a move rooted in continuity and performance. Doug Ostermann's departure was managed swiftly by promoting internal talent, a man whose expertise in the automotive sector and mastery of financial challenges are well-established. In an automotive world undergoing profound transformation—facing colossal challenges such as electrification, connectivity, and heightened global competition—entrusting the financial keys to such an experienced professional is undoubtedly a strong and positive signal. Joao Laranjo will be dedicated to ensuring the financial solidity necessary to allow Stellantis to successfully navigate this new era of the automobile.