The world’s fourth-largest automaker has finally found its leader.
After six months of search inside and outside the company, Stellantis board members agreed to hand the wheel to Antonio Filosa, a 25-year auto industry veteran who will replace departing CEO Carlos Tavares, effective June 23.
“This place is in my blood,” Filosa says in a LinkedIn post celebrating his new role. Now 51 and an alumnus of Politecnico Di Milano, he launched his career at Fiat as a quality control supervisor in Spain. A mentee of legendary Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, he built an international career in Brazil, Argentina, and the US.
When Stellantis, the Italian, French, and American behemoth, was created in 2021, Filosa became South American COO. Two years later, he took the helm of the Jeep brand in Detroit. More recently, he added two crowns, COO of the Americas and worldwide chief quality officer at the parent company, which has a portfolio of 16 well-known brands that includes Peugeot, Citroen, Chrysler, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati.
His appointment underscores the growing influence of the Italian shareholders within the company. When Stellantis was created, it had two heads: John Elkann, who became board chair, scion of the founding Italian Agnelli family; and Tavares as CEO, representing the French Peugeot family’s interest. With Filosa’s promotion, with the blessing of the French directors.
“We unanimously welcome Antonio’s appointment,” vice chair Robert Peugeot said.
The new chief faces a formidable list of challenges: tariff uncertainties, market-share losses, an electric vehicle transition, and economic instability. Auto sales declined through 2023 and 2024 as the company kept prices high. For the first quarter of this year, Stellantis suffered a 14% decrease in revenue.
Dealers in the US, who openly criticized the previous CEO’s strategy, nevertheless are celebrating the arrival of a new boss who likes to quote his mentor, Marchionne: “Mediocrity is not worth the trip.” Filosa adds on LinkedIn, “Let’s win this one together.”
