Stellantis has officially appointed Antonio Filosa as its new CEO, effective June 23, following a unanimous decision by the board. Filosa currently serves as the CEO and Chief Quality Officer of the Americas. He replaces former CEO Carlos Tavares, who departed the company suddenly in early December amid declining profits and steep market share losses in the U.S.
Filosa’s appointment comes as Stellantis looks to revitalize its North American operations, regain market traction and improve its slumping stock performance. His immediate priorities will include restoring sales momentum, repairing dealer relations, streamlining the automaker’s extensive portfolio of 14 brands and adresssing internal morale after cost-cutting measured defined the prior leadership era.
Stellantis Executive Chairman John Elkann, who has led the interim committee since December, will remain in his role.
“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.”
Filosa has been with Stellantis for over 25 years, starting his career as a trainee in 1999. He held leadership roles across Latin America, where he helped Fiat achieve the top market position and expanded the presence of the Peugeot, Citroën, Ram, and Jeep brands. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Pernambuco plant in Brazil and launching Jeep in that market.
Filosa is expected to announce a new leadership team following his official start. As he takes the reins, pressure mounts to update Stellantis’ business plan and navigate possible consolidation within its brand portfolio, moves that could spark difficult negotiations with unions in Europe and North America.
