Stellantis Narrows CEO Search to Final Five Candidates

Stellantis is closing in on its next CEO, narrowing its shortlist to just five final candidates. The automaker — behind brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Peugeot — is under pressure to find a new leader after former CEO Carlos Tavares stepped down in December 2024.

Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that of the five finalists, two are internal executives: Antonio Filosa, the current Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Stellantis’ North America operations, and Maxime Picat, who is Stellantis’ Chief Purchasing and Supplier. The other three contenders are external candidates, though their identities have not been disclosed. All five are men, according to the report.

Tavares left amid falling sales, strained relationships with suppliers and dealers, and backlash from shareholders. His departure came at a tough time — especially as the company faces new 25% tariffs on imported vehicles from Europe under U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policy. Stellantis has already responded by laying off 900 workers at five American plants and halting production temporarily at factories in both Mexico and Canada.

The selection process remains private, but both Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and Peugeot Invest CEO Jean-Charles Douin have stated that it’s moving along as planned. The goal is to have a new CEO named by the end of the first half of this year.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Stellantis is navigating a rough patch in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, international supply chain challenges, and cooling investor confidence. Earlier this month, shares hit an all-time low of €7.51 ($8.50 USD), a steep fall from their €25 ($28.30 USD) high just a year ago.

With internal and external candidates now under review, the next CEO will have to steer Stellantis through one of the most turbulent times the auto industry has seen in years — and rebuild confidence across the board.

Source: Reuters