Stellantis Chairman Reshapes Strategy After Tavares Exit

Under the leadership of Chairman John Elkann, Stellantis — the owner of 14 brands, including Fiat, Jeep, and Ram — is moving swiftly to dismantle the legacy of its former CEO and mend relationships with dealers, industry partners, governments, and workers, Giulio Piovaccari and Nora Eckert reported for Reuters.

While a new CEO is sought, Stellantis is being led by an interim executive committee chaired by Elkann. I Photo: Marco Alfa, Wikimedia Commons

Carlos Tavares unexpectedly resigned on Dec. 1, nearly 18 months before the expiration of his contract, amid escalating tensions between the board and major shareholders of the world's fourth-largest automaker.

While a new CEO is sought, Stellantis is being led by an interim executive committee chaired by Elkann.

Facing profit warnings in September and struggling with excess inventory, Stellantis is under pressure to maintain momentum despite its temporary leadership. Elkann, 48, a member of the Agnelli family that founded Fiat over a century ago, also chairs Ferrari and manages the Exor Agnelli family holding.

The company’s new strategy will face its first major test on Tuesday, when Stellantis representatives meet with Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso and local unions to negotiate a long-term production plan in Italy.

As the country’s sole major automaker, Stellantis may pledge to expand output and safeguard jobs in exchange for improved manufacturing conditions and government support for the industry’s transition to electric vehicles.

This move could ease tensions with Rome and secure a more stable future for the automaker.