The fourth world car manufacturer has finally found its leader.
After six months of research inside and outside the company, the members of the board of directors of Stellantis agreed to give the wheel to Antonio Filosa, a veteran of the 25 -year -old automotive industry who will replace the CEO of departure Carlos Tavares, from June 23.
“This place is in my blood,” explains Filosa in an article Linkedin celebrating her new role. Today 51 and a former pupil of Politecnico Di Milano, he launched his career at Fiat as a quality control supervisor in Spain. Mentiary of the legendary CEO of Fiat, Sergio Marchionne, he built an international career in Brazil, Argentina and the United States.
When Stellantis, the Italian, French and American giant, was created in 2021, Filosa became a South American CoO chief. Two years later, he took the head of the Jeep brand in Detroit. More recently, he added two crowns, COO of the Americas and the world quality of the parent company, which has a portfolio of 16 well -known brands which include Peugeot, Citroen, Chrysler, Dodge, Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
His appointment highlights the growing influence of Italian shareholders within the company. When Stellantis was created, he had two heads: John Elkann, who became chairman of the board of directors, scion of the Italian family of Agnelli founding; And tavares as CEO, representing the interest of the family of French Peugeot. With the promotion of Filosa, with the blessing of French directors.
“We unanimously welcome the appointment of Antonio,” said vice-president Robert Peugeot.
The new chef faces a formidable list of challenges: pricing uncertainties, losses of market sharing, transition of electric vehicles and economic instability. Automobile sales decreased until 2023 and 2024 while the company kept high prices. For the first quarter of this year, Stellantis was a 14% drop in income.
The dealerships in the United States, which openly criticized the strategy of the previous CEO, nevertheless celebrate the arrival of a new boss who likes to quote his mentor, Marchionne: “Mediocrity is not worth the trip.” Filosa adds Linkedin: “Win it together.”