Stellantis has won back its multiple award-winning vehicle designer, Gilles Vidal, from Renault where he was a key influence on its latest lauded vehicle, the all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech.

The long-time car designer, who joined Citroën in 1996, now becomes head of design for Stellantis’ European brands from the beginning of October, replacing Jean-Pierre Ploué, who leaves the company.

Vidal is credited for designing three European Car of the Year Peugeot-branded models between 2015 and 2019 including the Peugeot 308, 3008 and 208.

He joined Renault in 2020 as vice president of design for both the brand and its battery-electric-vehicle business unit, Ampere, where he is credited with creating the modern retro lines of the Renault 5 E-Tech, the 2025 European Car of the Year.

So far in his career, Vidal has won 10 prizes, half of them European Car of the Year awards including the electric Alpine A290.

In his new role, Vidal will oversee the creative direction and design strategy of Stellantis’ iconic European marques, spanning from city cars to light commercial vehicles.

“As I join Stellantis back, I am enthusiastic to return to my roots,” Vidal says, adding, “In a world where technology and design should walk hand in hand to transform customer experience, I am excited with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”