BREAKING: Stellantis Announces Key Leadership Changes

Stellantis has announced several management changes, effective immediately, aimed at streamlining operations and improving organizational performance amidst current global challenges. These adjustments are implemented under the leadership of CEO Carlos Tavares, emphasizing a focus on core business objectives.

Antonio Filosa has been appointed as North America’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), in addition to continuing as the CEO of the Jeep® brand. He succeeds Carlos Zarlenga, whose next role will be announced later. Filosa previously led Stellantis’ South America Region, achieving growth in revenue, quality, and market share, and brings substantial business and leadership expertise to his new position.

Jean Philippe Imparato will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer for Enlarged Europe while maintaining his position as CEO of Pro One. He succeeds Uwe Hochgeschurtz, who will be departing the company. Imparato, with nearly 34 years of experience in brand management and commercial networks, will focus on enhancing the region’s commercial performance during the ongoing energy transition.

Doug Ostermann has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), taking over from Natalie Knight, who will be leaving the company. Ostermann has over 19 years of experience in finance, including roles within Stellantis and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). He previously served as Stellantis China’s COO, bringing significant automotive and financial management expertise.

Gregoire Olivier has been named Chief Operating Officer for China while continuing as the Liaison Officer to Leapmotor. In this role, Olivier will utilize his extensive knowledge of the Chinese market.

Santo Ficili will assume the role of CEO for Maserati and Alfa Romeo and joins Stellantis’ Top Executive Team, leveraging his deep experience in the automotive industry and commercial operations. The next position for Davide Grasso will be announced in due course.

To improve commercial performance, Stellantis will transfer its Supply Chain organization to the Manufacturing Division, now under the leadership of Arnaud Deboeuf. The Purchasing Division, led by Maxime Picat, will now focus more on enhancing performance with supplier partners.

In a statement, CEO Carlos Tavares emphasized the importance of adapting to current industry conditions, noting that the new leadership team will be key in driving the company’s transformation. He expressed appreciation for the efforts that have laid the groundwork for Stellantis’ future.

John Elkann, Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed full support for the changes, stating that the adjustments would enhance the leadership team’s ability to restore the company’s performance to a leading position in the industry.

Additionally, Stellantis confirmed that a formal process is underway to identify a successor for Carlos Tavares, who will retire at the end of his term in early 2026. A Special Committee of the Board, chaired by John Elkann, is overseeing this process, which is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Those who have been paying attention will note that many management positions have been a revolving door under Carlos Tavares. In my opinion, this is just another dog and pony show that won’t result in anything positive until Tavares finally vacates the CEO position. His own arrogance and short-sighted decisions are a large portion of why Stellantis is in its current situation, and all the double talk in the world isn’t going to change that. 

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.