Auto conglomerate Stellantis turns to new CEO Filosa in an effort to revitalize its dwindling business performance

Stellantis Appoints Antonio Filosa as New CEO

In a significant move for the automotive industry, the Board of Directors at Stellantis has appointed Antonio Filosa as the new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment, effective from 23rd June, comes amidst a challenging period for the company, with the stock price having lost more than two thirds of its value since early 2024.

John Elkann, who will continue as interim CEO until Filosa takes over, led the process to select the Italian executive. Filosa's appointment was based on his track record of success, global experience, knowledge of the company, and leadership qualities.

Antonio Filosa joined Fiat, one of the constituent companies of Stellantis, in 1999. He began his career at Citroën and later moved to Peugeot before rising through the ranks. In 2021, he was appointed COO for South America for the newly created Stellantis. His tenure saw the propulsion of Fiat into market leadership and significant growth for the Peugeot, Citroën, Ram, and Jeep brands in South America.

In 2023, Filosa became the CEO of the Jeep brand, expanding its global presence, including in Europe. His successful leadership continued when he was appointed Head of Stellantis Americas before being named COO for North America in October 2024. During his time in North America, he announced the strengthening of U.S. operations by reducing excessive dealer inventory, reorganizing the leadership, introducing new products and powertrains, and increasing dialogue with dealers, unions, and suppliers.

Filosa is also expected to announce a new leadership team for Stellantis in his new role. He holds a master's degree in engineering from Politecnico di Milano and an executive MBA in business administration from Fundação Dom Cabral in Brazil.

Nicolas Dufourcq, CEO of BPIFrance, a significant stakeholder in Stellantis, says Filosa has the knowledge, experience, and talent to lead Stellantis to new successes. Filosa himself stated that Stellantis has the world's best and most iconic brands in automotive history and an over 100-year heritage of innovation.

Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest automotive manufacturer, has been facing challenges in recent times, with falling profits and sales, particularly in North America. The downward slide of its stock price led to the dismissal of Carlos Tavares in December 2023. Filosa's appointment is seen as a step towards addressing these challenges and steering the company towards growth and success.

Under Filosa's leadership, the Fiat plant in Pernambuco, Brazil, helped launch Jeep in Brazil, now the brand's largest market outside the U.S. He was instrumental in creating the Fiat (now Stellantis) plant in Pernambuco, Brazil in 2015.

As Filosa prepares to take full CEO powers from 23rd June, Elkann will continue as Executive Chairman. The automotive industry eagerly awaits the impact of Filosa's leadership on Stellantis's future.

Auto conglomerate Stellantis turns to new CEO Filosa in an effort to revitalize its dwindling business performance