Since the surprise resignation of Carlos Tavares at the end of 2024, Stellantis is looking for its future CEO. While the Group had announced an appointment in the first half of 2025, it's now mid-April... and still no official name has emerged. But speculation is rife.
A shortlist of five names
According to the latest indiscretions, Stellantis has narrowed down his list of suitors to five candidates: two internal profiles and three external ones.
On the internal front, Antonio Filosa, current CEO of Stellantis North America, is the favorite. He is joined by Maxime Picat, ex-CEO of Stellantis Europe and now the Group's Purchasing Director. Both men are well known to the Group and experienced, but are up against outside competitors with... intriguing profiles. According to our information, Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO of Stellantis Europe, was also on the list, but declined.
Wayne Griffiths, a credible outsider
Among external candidates, one name is becoming credible: Wayne Griffiths, ex-CEO of Seat and Cupra. Officially, he left office on March 31, 2025, "at his own request", to take on new challenges. This timing raises a number of questions, especially as no destination has yet been announced.
Yesterday, after 37 years, I decided to leave the Volkswagen Group.
I joined AUDI AG at the age of 21 and left yesterday as CEO of SEAT S.A. and CUPRA.
It's been an incredible journey, with too many highlights to list. But most important to me are the fantastic people I've met and worked with along the way, and I'd like to thank you all for your friendship and loyalty.
I just wanted you to know that I'm happy and in better shape than ever, and can't wait to see where my destiny takes me.
As my hero David Bowie once said: "I don't know where I'll go from here, but I promise you I won't be bored.
Griffiths is a pure product of the Volkswagen group. After joining Audi in 1989, he alternated between Seat and the brand with the rings. Appointed CEO of Cupra in 2019, then Seat in 2020, he has breathed new life into both brands. Under his leadership, Cupra has become one of Europe's fastest-growing brands, with models like the Born and Terramar.
He has also successfully weathered turbulent times, notably the rise of Chinese competition and recent customs uncertainties in the United States. His strategic vision, international profile and experience in brand development could appeal to a group as vast and multicultural as Stellantis.
A race against time
At present, Stellantis is in the midst of a transformation phase: the rise of electric power is more difficult than expected, brands are being streamlined, adaptation to the North American market and competition from China are on the agenda, all of which require clear, stable leadership.
If the arrival of Wayne Griffiths is confirmed, it would be a strong signal. It remains to be seen whether the former Cupra boss will be part of the official announcement... which shouldn't be long now.
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