Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares has confirmed that he will retire from his role in early 2026 – while announcing a major management reshuffle to try and revitalise the car maker.
The 66-year-old Tavares has led Stellantis, the world’s fourth largest automotive firm, since it was formed by the merger of the PSA Group and FCA in 2021. But the group has struggled recently, particularly in the North America where it has traditionally been strong.
With earnings and sales in the region declining Stellantis recently cut its profit forecast and signalled potential reductions in share dividend payouts. Its share price has also been falling.
Stellantis recently confirmed that the search for Tavares’s successor had begun, but indicated he could stay on beyond the end of his current contract in March 2026. However, in a release confirming a number of management moves due to the “turbulent global environment” Stellantis has confirmed Tavares will retire as originally planned.
Stellantis chairman Johan Elkann will head a special committee of the board that will be tasked with identifying a successor to Tavares, with the aim to have secured a replacement by the fourth quarter of 2025.
In the meanwhile, Stellantis has announced a number of significant management changes that are intended to “redouble the Company’s focus on its key business priorities and confront head-in the global challenges facing the industry”.
Current Alfa Romeo boss Jean-Philippe Imparato has been named Chief Operating Offier Enlarged Europe, effectively putting him in charge of commercial efforts in the region. Imparato will also continue to head the Pro One commercial vehicle division, but will step down from his role at Alfa, where he has been pivotal in reshaping the brand’s line-up including the new Junior crossover.
Santo Ficili, most recently Stellantis’s Italian boss, has been named the new CEO of both Alfa Romeo and Maserati. That is a significant move bringing together the management of the two premium Italian brands.
Jeep boss Antonio Filosa has been name North American Chief Operating Officer in addition to his current road, with Stellantis highlighting his previous success in boosting firm’s performance in South America.
Stellantis said that outgoing Maserati boss Davide Grasso’s next role “will be subject to a further announcement”. Uwe Hochgeschurtz, the outgoing Enlarged Europe COO, will leave the company, while now former North American COO Carlos Zarlenga’s next role is also yet to be confirmed.
In other moves, Doug Ostermann, previously Stellantis’s China boss, has been named Chief Financial Officer. He replaces Natalie Knight who will also leave the firm. Gregoire Olivier, currently the liaison officer to Leapmotor, will take over as China COO.
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