As widely predicted by industry watchers, Stellantis confirms that its North American chief Antonio Filosa will take over as its new CEO, filling the role left empty since last year by Carlos Tavares.
In a unanimous decision supported by the company’s board, Filosa is chosen ahead of an extensive search process of internal and external candidates undertaken by a special committee of the board led by Chairman John Elkann, the company says in a statement.
A shareholder meeting will be called in the next few days to rubber-stamp the appointment and Filosa will take over the position by June 23.
His mission will be to restore the group to profits that collapsed during the last year of Tavares’ tenure largely blamed on overproduction and a lack of new models coming to market.
Many believe that some of the 14 brands marketed under the Stellantis banner may have to be cut or sold off to focus on the most profitable inventory in the group.
The 52-year-old Italian with more than 25 years’ experience working in the automotive industry has led Stellantis in both North and South America. During his time as chief operating officer of South America, he took the Fiat brand to the market-leading position and then significantly grew the Peugeot, Citroën, Ram and Jeep brands.
His work on the creation of the Pernambuco plant, one of South America’s largest automotive hubs, launched Jeep in Brazil, which quickly became the brand’s leading market outside of the U.S.
As Jeep CEO, Filosa expanded the brand’s global presence, including in Europe where its models continue to be best sellers for the company thanks to products such as the Jeep Avenger.
He was most recently promoted to the role of chief operating officer, Americas in December 2024. Since his appointment, he has initiated the strengthening of the U.S. operations, including by reducing excessive dealer inventory, reorganizing the leadership team, driving the process of introducing new products and powertrains and increasing communications with dealers, unions and suppliers.
Elkann will continue in his role as chairman when Filosa takes up his position at which time he will also announce Stellantis’ new leadership team, the company says. “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’ development,” says Elkann.
