Stellantis NV has handed the reins of its China and Asia Pacific operations to a pivotal figure, just as its business in China continues to face significant pressure.

On July 23, the automaker announced that effective August 3, 2026, Xin Tianshu will assume the role of Head of China and Asia Pacific for Stellantis NV, reporting directly to CEO Antonio Filosa. Xin will also formally join the Group Leadership Team, which is the highest decision-making and management body responsible for day-to-day operations, comprising 15 members. His authority will expand from the China region to encompass the entire Asia Pacific area.

Meanwhile, the former head of China and Asia Pacific, Ollivier, has been appointed as a strategic advisor, reporting to Xin Tianshu.

Where the New Power Lies

According to available information, Xin Tianshu brings 30 years of experience in operations management, strategy, business development, M&A, sales, and marketing. In February 2025, Stellantis NV appointed him as Chief Operating Officer for China and head of the Stellantis-Leapmotor strategic alliance. Since November 2023, he has also served as CEO of the Leapmotor International joint venture.

Xin's career includes senior management roles at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Visteon, and IHS. Before the formation of Stellantis NV, he was responsible for strategy, partnerships, and public affairs for PSA Group in the Chinese market.

Why the Shift is Happening

This personnel change comes as Stellantis NV's business in China continues to struggle. In 2025, the group sold only 43,000 vehicles in China, capturing a mere 0.2% market share. Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile saw annual sales of 51,500 units, plummeting over 90% from its 2015 peak of 710,000 vehicles. GAC Fiat Chrysler has already been liquidated.

The group's overall financial performance has also experienced significant volatility. For the full year of 2025, net revenue was €153.508 billion, down 2% year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of €22.332 billion, compared to a net profit of €5.520 billion in the same period of 2024. The loss was primarily driven by €25.4 billion in non-recurring charges related to a business restructuring launched in the second half of the year.

Strategy and the China Connection

On June 23, 2025, Antonio Filosa took over as Group CEO. Over the following year, he and other senior executives have made a total of 10 visits to China. On May 21, 2026, Filosa unveiled the "FaSTLAne 2030" strategic plan, committing €60 billion in investment by 2030 to launch over 60 all-new models and 50 major facelifts. For the first time, the strategy listed "partnerships" as a core pillar, with a strong focus on Chinese companies.

At the vehicle collaboration level, Stellantis NV has established two pathways.

First, a partnership with Leapmotor. In October 2023, it acquired approximately 21% of Leapmotor for €1.5 billion. In May 2026, it announced an expanded collaboration, with Leapmotor's technology platform being used for the first time in Opel models. In its first full year of operation (2025), the Leapmotor International JV generated revenue of €809 million, a 462% increase, and a net profit of €44 million.

Second, a partnership with Dongfeng Group. On May 15, 2026, the two sides signed a strategic agreement involving a total investment of over RMB 8 billion. Starting in 2027, they will produce new energy vehicles under the Peugeot and Jeep brands at a Wuhan factory, targeting both the domestic Chinese market and global exports.

Looking Ahead

Xin Tianshu's promotion arrives at a critical juncture as Stellantis NV attempts to reverse its global difficulties by deepening ties with Chinese partners. From his appointment as China COO in February 2025 to now taking charge of the entire Asia Pacific region, Xin has achieved two promotions in less than 18 months.

Stellantis NV stated that this reorganization aims to strengthen the management team in China and the Asia Pacific region and accelerate the execution of the group's value-creation plan. For Xin Tianshu, the task ahead is to drive business restructuring in the Asia Pacific region, particularly the Chinese market, within the framework of Stellantis NV's global strategic transformation.