Ex-Jeep boss Antonio Filosa named new Stellantis CEO

Stellantis has announced ex-Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa as its new CEO, replacing Carlos Tavares, who left the firm late last year. The appointment is subject to a meeting of shareholders in the coming days, but in order to "give him full authority and ensure an efficient transition", the Stellantis board has granted Filosa CEO powers effective from 23 June. Filosa will report to Stellantis chairman John Elkann – who has led the search for a new CEO – and will name a new leadership team for the 14 brands under the Stellantis umbrella next month. Tavares led Stellantis from its formation in 2021 until he was ousted in late 2024, amid disputes with the board of management over how to tackle falling sales in the US and tensions with unions, dealers, suppliers and various global governments. Filosa emerged as a front-runner for the CEO job in the wake of Tavares's exit, though other names reported to have been considered included Hyundai's Jose Muñoz (prior to his appointment as CEO of the Korean marque), former Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) CEO Mike Manley, ex-Stellantis Europe boss Maxime Picat and Seat-Cupra's former boss Wayne Griffiths. The company says Filosa was selected as Tavares's replacement "based on his proven track record of hands-on success during his more than 25 years in the automotive industry, the depth and span of his experience around the world, his unrivalled knowledge of the company and his recognised leadership qualities". Naples-born Filosa has held a number of high-ranking positions within Stellantis and its predecessor, FCA. He joined Fiat in 1999 and went on to manage the company's production facilities in Brazil, moving up through the ranks to be named general manager of FCA Latin America in 2016 and then chief operating officer in the region. In that position, Stellantis said he was responsible for Fiat's ascension to the top of the sales charts in the region, as well as significant growth for Peugeot, Citroën, Ram and Jeep. He also oversaw the launch of the Jeep Automotive Centre in Pernambuco in 2015 - an R&D and engineering hub that plays an important role for Stellantis globally. His first Stellantis leadership role, on the foundation of that company in 2021, was as COO for Stellantis South America and he was promoted from that position to global CEO of Jeep in late 2023 - a position he held until early this year. During his tenure leading the 4x4 brand, he oversaw the launch of the crucial Avenger crossover, which has underpinned substantial growth for Jeep in Europe, as well as the unveiling and development of upcoming electric models including the Recon and Wagoneer S. Most recently, he revealed the new-generation Jeep Compass, a heavily overhauled and upgraded take on the brand's most popular global model, which is tipped to further strengthen its market footing worldwide. In the wide-reaching leadership overhaul of Stellantis following Tavares's shock early departure, Filosa was made chief operating officer for the Americas, where he drove a significant reduction in "excessive" dealer stock, reorganised the leadership team and helped to "increase dialogue with dealers, unions and suppliers". On being appointed to the top job, Filosa said: "It is my great honour to be named the CEO of this fantastic company. I am grateful to our chairman, John Elkann, and to the members of our board for their leadership, particularly in these recent months, and for the confidence they have placed in me to lead our business during this pivotal time for our industry. "I have always been inspired by the immense talent, passion and commitment of our people at Stellantis and the power of trusting our teams to achieve excellence. We have the world’s best and most iconic brands in automotive history and an over 100-year heritage of innovation. "That legacy, combined with our relentless dedication to giving our customers the products and services they love, will continue to be key to our success.” Elkann said: "Antonio’s deep understanding of our company, including its people, who he views as our core strength, and of our industry equip him perfectly for the role of chief executive officer in this next and crucial phase of Stellantis’s development. “I have worked closely with Antonio over the past six months, during which time his responsibilities have increased, and his strong and effective leadership spanning both North and South America at a moment of unprecedented challenge have confirmed the excellent qualities he brings to the role. Together with the entire board, I look forward to working with him.”