Stellantis announces Carlos Tavares’ resignation as CEO

Stellantis N.V. has announced the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Tavares, effective immediately.

The decision, accepted by the company’s Board of Directors under Chairman John Elkann, signals a pivotal moment for the organisation as it navigates leadership changes and maintains its strategic trajectory.

Henri de Castries, Senior Independent Director of Stellantis, commented: “Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO. However, in recent weeks different views have emerged which have resulted in the Board and the CEO coming to today’s decision.”

The Board, acknowledging Tavares’ contributions to Stellantis and the broader automotive industry, expressed gratitude for his efforts. Chairman John Elkann said: “Our thanks go to Carlos for his years of dedicated service and the role he has played in the creation of Stellantis, in addition to the previous turnarounds of PSA and Opel, setting us on the path to becoming a global leader in our industry. “

To maintain momentum, Stellantis has established an Interim Executive Committee (IEC), chaired by John Elkann, to oversee the company’s operations. The IEC comprises senior executives overseeing critical aspects of Stellantis’ global business, including human resources, engineering, manufacturing, and regional leadership.

Key members of the IEC include:

Xavier Chéreau: Human Resources and Heritage
Ned Curic: Engineering and Technology, Software, and Free2move
Arnaud Deboeuf: Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Antonio Filosa: Americas and Design for North America, including Maserati
Jean-Philippe Imparato: Enlarged Europe, Pro One, and core European brands like Peugeot and Opel
Douglas Ostermann: Finance
Maxime Picat: Purchasing and Supplier Quality, and Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions
Philippe de Rovira: Affiliates

Supporting the IEC are several Executive Vice Presidents who report directly to the Chairman, covering areas such as communications, marketing, public affairs, and legal matters. Additionally, Richard Palmer will serve as a Special Adviser to Elkann, providing strategic guidance to the leadership team.

The Board’s Special Committee is actively conducting a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO, with plans to finalise the appointment by mid-2025. During this period, the IEC will steer Stellantis’ strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term goals.

Despite the leadership change, Stellantis reaffirmed its full-year 2024 guidance, originally presented on October 31, underscoring its operational resilience. The company remains focused on its long-term strategy, including electrification, digital transformation, and sustainable mobility.