After the last tumultuous few years under Carlos Tavares, who resigned last December, Stellantis’ board has unanimously elected its COO of Americas, Antonio Filosa, as the new CEO, effective June 23. Filosa has 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, with his most recent role as COO of Americas, starting in December 2024. In that role he helped oversee major American brands Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler. Prior to that, he was CEO of Jeep.
“His track record of successful leadership during his many years with our company speaks for itself and this, together with his deep knowledge of our business and of the complex dynamics facing our industry, make him the natural choice to become Stellantis’ next CEO,” stated Stellantis Vice Chairman Robert Peugeot.
Filosa has been connected with a Stellantis brand for nearly the entire century, starting at Fiat I Turin, Italy, in 2002. Stellantis said in a release that as COO of South America, Filosa made Fiat a market leader and also grew the Peugeot, Citroën, Ram, and Jeep brands there as well.
“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,” said Stellantis Executive Chairman John Elkann. “I have worked closely with Antonio over the past six months during which time his responsibilities have increased, and his strong and effective leadership spanning both North and South America at a moment of unprecedented challenge have confirmed the excellent qualities he brings to the role."
It's a breath of fresh air for the company, with confidence in Tavares dropping off since the company transitioned to Stellantis after FCA and PSA Group merged. Before he resigned, Taveres seemed to clash with the board as stock and sales slumped. Commercial vehicle sales in the U.S. were a bright spot in Q3 2024, with Ram truck brand and ProMaster vans both increasing more than 25% quarter over quarter.
Other reports seem to suggest Filosa will focus on producing reliable vehicles, while his predecessor was known for pinching pennies.
French union CFE-CGC has speculated that Filosa will "break with the authoritarian, cost-cutting management style of the Tavares era.” One of his current roles is also chief quality officer.
With the new leader’s deep knowledge of some of America’s most recognizable auto brands and penchant for quality, that should help with U.S. fleet customers' confidence in the OEM.
“We have the world’s best and most iconic brands in automotive history and an over 100-year heritage of innovation,” Filosa said. “That legacy, combined with our relentless dedication to giving our customers the products and services they love, will continue to be key to our success.”
