Antonio Filosa Steps In: New Stellantis CEO Sets Leadership Team and Prioritizes North America
Antonio Filosa has officially taken the helm as Chief Executive Officer of Stellantis N.V., marking a new era for the global automaker. As he formally began his role on Monday, Filosa announced his senior leadership team, signaling continuity in key areas while making strategic adjustments designed to drive performance and navigate the evolving automotive landscape. Notably, Filosa will maintain direct oversight of Stellantis’ critical North American operations, including its iconic American brands: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram.
This decision underscores the importance of the North American market to Stellantis’ overall strategy, particularly as the company works to boost recent sales figures and address profitability challenges. Filosa has deep experience in this region, having been responsible for North American operations since late last year, specifically tasked with turning around performance. He will continue to be based at the company’s North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a shift from former CEO Carlos Tavares, who was based in Europe.
Experience and Continuity Define the Senior Leadership Team
Filosa’s newly formed Stellantis Leadership Team (SLT) largely comprises familiar, experienced executives from within the company’s global talent pool. The team consists of 12 members, with an additional four key leaders who will report directly to the CEO, though not part of the core SLT.
While continuity is a theme, two top executives are departing: Béatrice Foucher, the chief planning officer, and Maxime Picat, who had overseen various company divisions and was considered an internal candidate for the CEO position alongside Filosa. Filosa expressed gratitude to Foucher and Picat for their service.
Key Appointments and Strategic Adjustments
The restructured leadership roles reflect a focus on strengthening core functions and bringing decision-making closer to regional markets, a strategy aimed at fostering regional empowerment and innovation.
Key members of the senior leadership team and their responsibilities include:
Doug Ostermann continues as Chief Financial Officer, expanding his role to include oversight of mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures.
Jean-Philippe Imparato remains Head of Enlarged Europe & European Brands, with Maserati now integrated under his regional responsibility, previously managed separately.
Emanuele Cappellano joins the team as Head of South America and will also lead Stellantis Pro One, the commercial vehicles unit.
Philippe de Rovira oversees the “Rest of World” region (Middle East and Africa, China, India, Asia Pacific) and retains responsibility for Stellantis Financial Services.
Davide Mele is appointed as Head of Product Planning.
Ned Curic continues leading Product Development & Technology.
Sébastien Jacquet, recently appointed quality chief, formally joins the senior leadership team as Head of Quality.
Monica Genovese takes the role of Head of Purchasing.
Scott Thiele steps into the newly created role of Head of Supply Chain, integrating activities previously spread across planning and manufacturing.
Arnaud Deboeuf continues as Head of Manufacturing.
Xavier Chéreau remains Head of HR and Sustainability.
Clara Ingen-Housz joins the SLT as Head of Corporate Affairs & Communications.
Reporting directly to Filosa outside the core SLT are Ralph Gilles (Design), Olivier François (Marketing), Alison Jones (Parts & Services and Circular Economy), and Giorgio Fossati (General Counsel). Former finance chief Richard Palmer will continue to serve as a strategic adviser.
A “People-First, Entrepreneurial” Approach
Describing his team, Filosa stated they possess a “profound understanding of our brands, our products and our customers, best-in-class expertise and an entrepreneurial spirit that will be vital to our success.” His stated aim is to “make Stellantis one of the winners” in the next phase of the automotive industry. This vision is underpinned by a commitment to a “people-first mindset” and a decentralized product decision-making process that empowers regional teams.
Navigating Challenges with a Refocused Strategy
The new leadership structure takes shape as Stellantis faces a complex market environment, including slower sales periods, lower profits, international trade challenges like tariffs, and adapting to shifting emissions policies. Filosa, an internal hire with 25 years across Stellantis and its predecessors, rose through roles from paint shop quality supervisor to regional leadership positions, including Head of Jeep and ultimately overseeing the Americas and Quality before taking the top job after a six-month search following Carlos Tavares’ sudden departure in December.
Since being appointed, Filosa has visited numerous Stellantis facilities globally, reinforcing his connection with the company’s operations and workforce.
Strategic Focus on Core Brands: A Look at Jeep Leadership
Filosa’s retention of the North American portfolio underscores a direct focus on key brands like Jeep. This focus is evident in recent leadership appointments within the brands themselves. For instance, Bob Broderdorf, an industry veteran with a background across Dodge and Ram, was recently appointed Global CEO of Jeep. This move unifies Jeep’s North American and international operations under a single global leader.
Broderdorf previously served as Head of Jeep North America and is credited by Filosa with contributing to a 16% increase in Jeep’s U.S. market share and a reduction in inventory by over 30% since November 2024. Under Broderdorf, Jeep is set to receive a significant strategic investment of over $3 billion this year, with a strong emphasis on rebuilding trust with dealers, developing new products, and strengthening brand strategy globally. Mike Koval Jr. was also appointed as Senior Vice President and Head of Sales Operations for Jeep, supporting this unified global structure. This targeted brand leadership under Filosa’s direct North American oversight highlights a granular approach to revitalizing key assets.
Further underscoring regional optimization, Stellantis also recently appointed Bill Peffer as Head of North America Network Development, tasked with optimizing the dealer network across all Stellantis brands in the region.
In setting his leadership team and retaining direct oversight of crucial operations, Antonio Filosa is quickly putting his stamp on Stellantis, aiming to steer the company towards future success by leveraging internal talent, empowering regional teams, and focusing intensely on key markets like North America.
