Stellantis Names New Jeep® CEO, Replaces Meunier

In a bold and pivotal move, Stellantis has unveiled a series of significant organizational changes set to take effect on November 1st, 2023, with a specific emphasis on revitalizing the sales trajectory of the iconic Jeep® brand.

Since 2019, Jeep sales have encountered challenges, witnessing a notable decline from nearly 1 million vehicles sold to 684,614 in 2022—a 12% decrease from the previous year. In the first half of the current year alone, the brand has experienced another 12% dip. This decline can be attributed to factors such as the introduction of the Ford Bronco and an upswing in the production of mainstream crossovers and SUVs, which have applied pressure on the beloved American adventure brand.

Taking the helm as Jeep® CEO is Antonio Filosa, whose leadership has been instrumental in various capacities within the company. This transition comes as Christian Meunier, the outgoing CEO, has chosen to embark on a sabbatical to pursue personal interests. Meunier’s departure marks the conclusion of what can be described as an immensely successful tenure at the helm of the American brand.

Meunier shared a comprehensive reflection on his departure from the company via LinkedIn, with the following message…

After 5 incredible years with Stellantis & FCA, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave the company. It is the end of a beautiful story with Jeep and the start of a new chapter. A new step focused on personal projects and interests.

Jeep is one the most beautiful and powerful brands in the world. It is a brand I loved well before I answered the call to lead it, and I will continue to do so. It’s crazy to think about what we managed to do during some of the most challenging times for our industry. 
 
Throughout my leadership I remained fiercely protective of the brand as we worked to boost its image with electrification and technology. One of my proudest achievements with the team was both developing and launching “4xe”– the Jeep brand’s answer to electrification. 4xe propelled the Jeep brand to achieve and hold #1 & #2 best-selling PHEV in North America since the launch of Wrangler & Grand Cherokee. 
 
Together, we also expanded into new segments, produced a new pickup truck the Gladiator, a new premium flagship with Grand Wagoneer, launched our BEV offensive starting with the Jeep Avenger in Europe – 2023 Car of the Year, led the industry with the development of off-road autonomous driving, and kick started the launch of the first two global EV’s – Wagoneer S and Jeep Recon.
 
To my team, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done to contribute to our collective success. You’re a powerhouse of talent and I’m so grateful to have had the privilege of leading you through this transformational and exciting time for the Jeep brand. Together, we have delivered career-defining work but let’s not forget… while we should be proud of it, we should always remain humble because it is the Jeep spirit!

My deepest respect and thanks go to the Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, an amazing leader and coach, and the people of Stellantis at every level and in every corner of the globe. I know that the future you’re leading will be very bright. I have no doubt about it.
 
The Jeep brand both represents and reinforces the value of Freedom – go anywhere, do anything – there’s nothing more important. These should be guiding principles for all of us. 
 
I know that momentum for this amazing brand will continue and it’s enormously gratifying to move on knowing that the Jeep brand is in safe hands with Antonio Filosa, a fantastic leader and a great man. With the team, the brand, the product both today and in the pipeline, coupled with his strong leadership – the Jeep brand will be unstoppable. 
 
Finally, to the entire Jeep global community, thank you for your guidance, your support, and for everything you do for Jeep. 
 
All the best!! o|||||||o
 
Christian

Ashwani Muppasani, who has been leading the China National Sales Company since July 2022, will ascend to the position of Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis India & Asia Pacific. He steps into the role vacated by Carl Smiley, who has chosen to prioritize his private life.

Emanuele Cappellano, a seasoned executive with an illustrious history of contributions to Stellantis, is poised to assume the role of Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis South America, succeeding Antonio Filosa. Cappellano’s remarkable track record includes a tenure as South America Chief Financial Officer from 2017 to 2021, and more recently, his position as North America CEO & Group Strategy and Corporate Development Director at Marcolin Group since October 2021.

Carlos Tavares, the CEO of Stellantis, expressed his gratitude for the exceptional contributions of Christian Meunier and Carl Smiley. He underscored the importance of respecting the personal decisions of colleagues and commended them for their human qualities, which extend beyond their business acumen. Tavares conveyed his confidence in the newly appointed executives, expressing his belief that Emanuele Cappellano, Ashwani Muppasani, and Antonio Filosa will build on the foundations laid by their predecessors, propelling Stellantis forward during this transformative period in the automotive industry.

Tavares stated, “I want to take the opportunity to warmly thank Christian and Carl for their commitment and contributions to making Stellantis the leading company it is today. The circumstances of life must make us accept the personal decisions of our colleagues as they illustrate their human qualities beyond their business acumen. I have every confidence that Emanuele and Ashwani, as newly appointed EVPs, as well as Antonio in his new Jeep CEO role, will continue the paths traced by their predecessors and further drive Stellantis to win during this time of profound change in our sector.”