Stellantis: Gilles Vidal appointed Director of Design Europe

In an announcement sending ripples through the automotive design world, Stellantis has confirmed a landmark appointment: Gilles Vidal will become the new Director of Design for the group's European brands. Effective October 1, 2025, the man who has recently been leading design at the Renault brand will return to the group where he shaped some of the most successful vehicles of the last decades. He succeeds Jean-Pierre Ploué, a historic figure in the design legacy of both PSA Group and Stellantis, who will be leaving the company. This homecoming is far more than a simple job change; it represents a major strategic move that could usher in a new stylistic era for iconic brands such as Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat, and Opel.

A strategic homecoming for European Design

After a notable five-year period with Groupe Renault, Gilles Vidal is making a significant return to Stellantis. He will take charge of design for all European brands, a highly influential role reporting directly to Jean-Philippe Imparato, Head of the Stellantis Enlarged Europe Operations. He will also work in close collaboration with Ralph Gilles, the global Chief Design Officer for Stellantis. This new structure places design at the very heart of the group's product strategy for the continent. The enthusiasm surrounding this appointment is evident in the official statements.

Jean-Philippe Imparato shared his delight: “We are thrilled to welcome Gilles back to this key role. His deep understanding of European automotive culture and his forward-thinking design vision will be critical as we continue to redefine mobility and strengthen the identity of our European brands. I want to extend my warmest thanks to Jean-Pierre Ploué for his team spirit and invaluable contributions to Stellantis.”

Gilles Vidal expressed his own motivation for the new challenge: “I am excited to be rejoining Stellantis. In a world where technology and design must work hand-in-hand to transform the customer experience, I am energized by the challenges and opportunities ahead. I look forward to tackling them alongside Jean-Philippe, Ralph, and their teams.” This return is seen as a natural fit, aligning the group's vision with the expertise of a man who knows the company intimately.

The journey of a multi-award-winning designer

To fully grasp the significance of this appointment, it is essential to look back at Gilles Vidal’s distinguished career. A graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Vevey, Switzerland, he joined the PSA Group in 1996, beginning his journey with Citroën. It was there that he honed his craft, contributing to the brand's reputation for strong, innovative identity. In 2010, he was appointed Head of Design for the Peugeot brand, where he would orchestrate a complete stylistic revolution. Under his direction, Peugeot not only achieved remarkable design consistency and desirability but also collected numerous accolades. He is credited with the sharp lines and commercial success of the Peugeot 308, 3008, and 208—models that were all named "European Car of the Year." In total, vehicles designed under his supervision have won this prestigious title five times in the last ten years.

In 2020, he made a surprising move to Groupe Renault. As the brand's Design Director, he became a key architect of the "Renaulution" strategy led by CEO Luca de Meo. He successfully infused a new modernity into the brand while drawing inspiration from its rich heritage, as seen in recent concepts and models like the R5 E-Tech, the Scenic E-Tech, and the Rafale concept. His departure from Renault to rejoin Stellantis concludes an intense chapter and signals the beginning of a new, ambitious challenge.

Stellantis has undoubtedly made a major coup on the global automotive design stage. By bringing Gilles Vidal back, the group secures not only a multi-award-winning designer but also a visionary with an intimate understanding of its brands' DNA, particularly that of Peugeot and Citroën. This appointment opens up especially exciting prospects for what comes next. How will his influence shape the future style of Citroën? Can he help the brand rediscover the audacity and avant-garde spirit of its legacy while meeting today's economic and technological demands?

This homecoming occurs at a pivotal moment for the group, which was formed from the merger of PSA and FCA. While industrial and financial synergies were the initial focus of the Tavares era, Vidal's appointment may symbolize a new chapter, one more centered on product strength and brand differentiation. Could this change signal a new strategic direction for Stellantis as its post-merger integration phase matures? One thing is certain: the future design of cars from Citroën, Peugeot, DS Automobiles, Opel, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo is now in expert and daring hands. We will be watching with great anticipation.