Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot has left the company, it has been confirmed.
He will be replaced by ex-Mercedes-Benz vice-president Katrin Adt, who arrives ahead of a crucial period of expansion and electrification for the Renault-owned Romanian brand.
Autocar Award winner Le Vot has been CEO of Dacia since January 2021, his latest role in a long career with the Renault Group, which he joined as a sales director in 2000. No official reason for his departure has been given, but in a statement on his Linkedin he said it was his own decision to leave.
"I’ve made the decision to leave the Group to focus on personal projects," said Le Vot. "As a passionate professional in the automotive industry, I’ve always been driven by a deep conviction: it’s the people who make this journey so rich and meaningful.
"Memorable encounters, committed teams, projects carried out with energy and good spirit, inspiring collaborations… and above all, five exceptional years dedicated to transforming the Dacia brand. A transformation that stayed true to its DNA: making mobility affordable and responsible for millions of customers who place their trust in us every year.
"Today, I feel immense gratitude, great pride, and a sense of serenity as I hand over the reins to Katrin Adt. I wish her every success in continuing this beautiful journey."
Le Vot was understood to have been in the running for the Renault Group CEO job, following the recent departure of Luca de Meo, but the role ultimately went to François Provost.
Under Le Vot's stewardship, Dacia has added its first hybrid models, launched the hugely popular Jogger MPV, expanded into the C-segment with the Bigster SUV and imported the electric Spring city car to Europe. Meanwhile, the current, third-generation Sandero has become comfortably Europe's best-selling retail car, with the Duster following close behind as the region's most popular SUV.
His replacement Katrin Adt joins with 26 years of experience in automotive, during which time she has been CEO of Mercedes in Luxembourg, CEO of the Smart brand and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Own Retail Europe.
Adt said: “I am excited to be joining the Renault Group and to take the helm of the Dacia brand. It is a privilege to contribute to writing the next chapter of its remarkable success story, together with an exceptional team. Shaping businesses for the future has always been my driving force.
"Today, we stand at a pivotal moment – both technologically and socially – in our relationship with the automobile. Dacia has consistently demonstrated the relevance of its approach through products that resonate deeply with customer expectations. More than just a brand, Dacia stands for a bold, intelligent and accessible vision of mobility."
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