The Renault Group is seeking a new CEO following Luca de Meo’s surprising decision to resign after five successful years at the helm of the French brand. Having previously contributed to the rise of Volkswagen Group’s SEAT brand during a five-year tenure, he joined Renault in July 2020. At the time, the company was facing major challenges, including a record net loss of €7.3 billion in the first half of the year.
However, de Meo managed to revive Renault by focusing on higher-margin products and reducing development times. His “Renaulution” turnaround plan laid the groundwork for a revitalized lineup centered on SUVs, at the expense of slower-selling models. The Renault 5 was reborn as an EV, soon followed by a crossover counterpart in the Renault 4. Additionally, the Twingo is set to return next year as the brand’s entry-level electric car.
Photo by: Renault
De Meo’s efforts to help Renault bounce back also included strengthening Dacia’s presence in Europe by launching the Bigster compact SUV. A low-cost electric model built in Europe is expected in 2026, likely replacing the China-made Spring and possibly serving as an affordable version of the Twingo.
Investments in Alpine have secured the niche brand’s electric-only future, with several EVs on the horizon. The A290 hot hatchback was recently joined by the A390 crossover, and an electric successor to the A110 is planned later this decade. Alpine also intends to launch a 2+2 variant of the sports car, named the A310, along with larger SUVs aimed at the North American market.
De Meo is departing to pursue a role outside the automotive industry, with Le Figaro reporting he will become the new CEO of Kering. The French multinational holding company specializes in luxury goods and owns brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent.
The Renault Group’s Board of Directors is now searching for a successor, with de Meo’s final day set for July 15. The 58-year-old Italian executive leaves proud of his accomplishments leading the company with the diamond logo:
“There comes a time in one’s life when one knows the job is done. At Renault Group, we have faced immense challenges in less than five years! We have achieved what many thought impossible. Today, the results speak for themselves: they are the best in our history.”
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