Stellantis is restructuring its management to enhance vehicle quality following disappointing sales, particularly in the U.S. The company has appointed Antonio Filosa to lead a global quality initiative and is adopting a decentralized management approach for regional divisions. Olivier François will head a new global marketing team to boost brand visibility. Chairman John Elkann highlighted the need for improved operational efficiency and local responsiveness as Stellantis prepares to face rising competition, especially from Chinese automakers.
Stellantis Restructures Management and Focuses on Vehicle Quality
The renowned automotive powerhouse Stellantis is undergoing significant changes within its management structure, aiming to prioritize the quality of its vehicles. This shift comes in the wake of the departure of former CEO Carlos Tavares in December. As part of this new direction, Stellantis has appointed Italian executive Antonio Filosa to spearhead a newly established global quality management initiative.
The move to enhance quality comes as a response to disappointing performance in the market, particularly in the United States, where the group experienced a notable decline in sales during 2024. Analysts have pointed to poor quality in certain models and inflated pricing compared to competitors as key factors contributing to this downturn.
Decentralization and Brand Leadership Changes
In a bid to increase operational efficiency, Stellantis has announced a more decentralized management approach. Each regional division—including the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East—will now take on greater responsibility for vehicle planning and factory management. Additionally, Olivier François, head of Fiat, will lead a new global marketing management team aimed at enhancing brand visibility through advertising and sponsorships, areas previously overlooked under Tavares’s leadership.
John Elkann, Stellantis’s chairman, emphasized that these organizational changes are designed to streamline operations and enhance local responsiveness. The search for a new CEO is expected to conclude by mid-2025, with Filosa emerging as a strong internal candidate for the position. Meanwhile, Stellantis is also reshuffling leadership across its brands, including the appointment of Alain Favey to lead Peugeot, succeeding Linda Jackson.
As Stellantis navigates these transformations, it faces challenges from intensified competition, particularly from Chinese automakers. Industry experts believe that addressing these quality issues is crucial for the company’s future success. The recent restructuring efforts reflect a commitment to improving brand performance and operational agility within the evolving automotive landscape.