Stellantis : Eric Laforge appointed head of global commercial vehicles business unit

Stellantis continues to evolve its organizational structure with the appointment of a new leader for its commercial vehicle branch, Stellantis Pro One. This strategic move follows the departure of Anne Abboud, who has chosen to leave the company after a long and successful career. The transition marks a significant moment for the group as it reinforces its commitment to the professional vehicle market, a key driver of global profitability and brand identity for marques such as Citroën.

A strategic appointment to drive the future of Stellantis Pro One

Effective January 1, 2026, Eric Laforge will take over as the head of Stellantis Pro One. In this pivotal role, he will report directly to Emanuele Cappellano, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Expanded Europe and Director of Stellantis Pro One. This leadership change is designed to further integrate the commercial vehicle strategy within the group’s broader global operations, ensuring that the needs of professional customers remain at the forefront of the company’s mission.

Eric Laforge will be responsible for consolidating and expanding the reach of Stellantis Pro One, which represents six iconic brands: Citroën, Fiat Professional, Opel, PEUGEOT, Ram, and Vauxhall. Commenting on his new appointment, Eric Laforge stated: "I am delighted to return to my professional roots by rejoined Stellantis. I approach this new challenge with enthusiasm, fully aware of the current market complexity, but also of the growth opportunities ahead, driven by Stellantis' expertise and its vision for the future."

The career of a seasoned automotive industry expert

The selection of Eric Laforge as the head of this global unit is backed by over 30 years of extensive experience in the automotive sector. A graduate of the École Supérieure de Gestion et Finance (ESGF) in Paris, Laforge began his career at Fiat Auto in 1990. He spent several formative years in sales roles across France and Italy, building a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer relations.

Throughout his career, he has held several key leadership positions, including CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in Switzerland and Germany. Between 2015 and 2018, he served as Director for various markets within MOPAR Parts & Services. In 2019, he shifted his focus toward commercial growth as the Director of Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles for Central Europe at FCA, before taking the lead at Fiat Professional. By 2021, he was appointed head of the Light Commercial Vehicles Business Unit for Stellantis in Europe. Most recently, from 2023 to early 2025, he managed the Jeep®, Ram, and Dodge brands across the Expanded Europe region. Following a brief tenure as Vice President of Sales Services at Renault Group since April 2025, his return to Stellantis brings a wealth of specialized knowledge back to the group.

Emanuele Cappellano emphasized the value of this return: "We are very pleased to welcome Eric back to this strategic position. His deep knowledge of automotive culture and his rich experience in the professional vehicle segment will be decisive assets in strengthening our global position in the commercial vehicle field and the B2B market. I also wish to express my sincere thanks to Anne for her decisive contribution to Stellantis during her ten years of commitment and send her my best wishes for the next stage of her journey."

A transition focused on stability and global growth

As Anne Abboud concludes her 39-year career in the automotive industry, her legacy at Stellantis remains one of significant contribution and leadership. Stellantis has chosen to entrust the future of Stellantis Pro One to an expert with a proven track record, ensuring that one of the group's most vital divisions remains in capable hands.

The commercial vehicle sector is a cornerstone of Stellantis' financial health and market share. With the appointment of Eric Laforge, the group reaffirms its ambition to lead the B2B market, leveraging the heritage of brands like Citroën to meet the evolving demands of professionals worldwide. This leadership transition ensures that the group is well-positioned to tackle the challenges of electrification and global competition in the years to come.