Stellantis chooses ex-Jeep head as new CEO for Vauxhall brand

Stellantis has appointed seasoned executive Antonio Filosa as its new CEO, effective June 23, as the automotive conglomerate navigates a period of transformation and renewed urgency following a series of profit warnings and declining sales.

Filosa, an experienced Stellantis veteran with a quarter-century tenure, is currently the company's Chief Operating Officer for the Americas. He steps into his new role following a unanimous decision by the board.

He succeeds Carlos Tavares, who exited the position in December after issuing a string of profit warnings due to plummeting sales.

The transnational corporation, which owns a variety of brands including Vauxhall, Fiat, and Jeep, announced plans last year to close its significant van-manufacturing facility in Luton, potentially laying off around 1,100 employees.

Now, Stellantis faces additional pressure from President Donald Trump's unpredictable trade policies, as well as the growing influx of affordable electric vehicles from Chinese manufacturers in Europe.

Filosa is credited with launching Jeep in Brazil and creating the Pernambuco plant, one of the largest automotive hubs in South America.

John Elkann, Stellantis' executive chairman, who led the search for a new CEO, said, "Antonio's extensive understanding of our company, and of our industry, makes him an ideal fit for the CEO role during this critical phase of Stellantis' development."

In a statement, Filosa expressed gratitude for the support of the board and for their confidence in his leadership: "I look forward to leading our business during this pivotal time for our industry."

He emphasized the significance of Stellantis' long-standing heritage of innovation: "That legacy, founded on over a century of history, will continue to be our key to success."

While the financial specifics behind Stellantis' current challenges are not specified, the company acknowledged that it's facing a particularly challenging time for the industry. The incoming CEO's extensive experience and strategic vision are expected to help steer the company through these difficulties.

The Stellantis board's decision to appoint an internal leader demonstrates a deliberate strategy to leverage continuity and expertise amid these challenges. Filosa's diverse operational roles reflect efforts to strengthen quality and market performance.

The company must also address external pressures such as the potential disruptions caused by Trump's tariff policies and competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers entering the European market. Filosa's track record in market leadership and brand growth suggests he aims to tackle these issues through improved operational efficiency and strategic positioning.

In summary, Stellantis is facing a complex and evolving market landscape, marked by a decline in sales and profit warnings, exacerbated by geopolitical trade uncertainties and competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. With Antonio Filosa at the helm from June 2025, Stellantis hopes to successfully navigate these challenges by focusing on operational improvements and bold strategic moves.[1][2][3]

[1] 'Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa's challenge: Navigating a difficult market while instilling a sense of purpose into the company.' (https://www.autonews.com)

[2] 'Stellantis names new CEO Antonio Filosa: What you need to know.' (https://www.jotedelmei.com)

[3] 'The new CEO of a troubled automotive giant: Understanding Stellantis' turnaround efforts under Antonio Filosa.' (https://www.bloomberg.com)

In an effort to combat declining sales and profit warnings, Stellantis, the automotive conglomerate, appointed Antonio Filosa as its new CEO, drawing on the executive's extensive industry knowledge and strategic vision for steering the company through these challenges.
With the arrival of Antonio Filosa as CEO, Stellantis will work towards addressing external pressures, such as Trump's unpredictable tariff policies and competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, by focusing on operational improvements and strategic positioning.
Facing a complex market landscape marked by geopolitical trade uncertainties and competition from emerging electric vehicle manufacturers, Finances in the transportation sector will be impacted, with Stellantis relying on Filosa's experience in market leadership and brand growth to navigate these difficulties.