By Adria Calatayud and Dominic Chopping

Jeep maker Stellantis named Antonio Filosa as its next chief executive officer, putting a company veteran behind the wheel as the auto giant navigates tariffs and a challenging car market.

Filosa, a 25-year company veteran who currently serves as chief operating officer for the Americas and chief quality officer, will take up the CEO role on June 23, the automaker said Wednesday.

Stellantis said its board picked Filosa for his track record in the auto industry and his knowledge of the company, where he has led operations in both North and South America and headed the Jeep brand. The executive was promoted to the role of Americas operations chief in December, where he was tasked with strengthening the group's U.S. operations by reducing excess dealer inventory and increasing dialogue with dealers, unions and suppliers.

Shares in the company edged 0.6% higher in early European trade, with Quilter Cheviot analyst Mamta Valechha noting the muted reaction was probably because his appointment wasn't a big surprise after he had been tipped as a frontrunner for the job.

"There is potentially a feeling from some investors that they would have preferred someone not associated with the challenges faced in the North American business over the past year, but nevertheless, clarity on leadership is important for Stellantis after significant U.S. market share loss and the ever-changing picture regarding tariffs."

Quilter Cheviot said it is now waiting to see if there is any refresh of the strategy.

Filosa takes the helm after the company has made a stuttering start to 2025, with sales in the first few months of the year falling sharply. Lower North American production, product transitions, and lower light commercial vehicle volumes in Europe have all weighed on deliveries, as North American shipments slumped 20% in the first quarter while Europe and Asia also saw hefty declines.

U.S. President Trump's auto tariffs have also clouded the outlook on market volumes and the competitive landscape, prompting Stellantis to suspend its full-year guidance last month and seek improved sourcing opportunities while adjusting production plans.

John Elkann, who assumed executive functions after Carlos Tavares stepped down as CEO in December, will continue in his role as executive chairman when Filosa assumes his new post, the company said. Filosa will outline at that time Stellantis's new leadership team, it said.

"I have worked closely with Antonio over the past six months during which time his responsibilities have increased, and his strong and effective leadership spanning both North and South America at a moment of unprecedented challenge have confirmed the excellent qualities he brings to the role," Elkann said.

Former CEO Tavares resigned abruptly following a tumultuous period for the company, which he helped create through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France's PSA Group, which owned brands such as Peugeot and Citroen.

An extraordinary shareholder meeting will be called in the coming days to vote on Filosa's appointment to the board as an executive director, Stellantis said.

Write to Adria Calatayud at adria.calatayud@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 28, 2025 04:27 ET (08:27 GMT)

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