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A frontrunner emerges

Stellantis may soon have a new CEO, and it’s likely someone already in the building. Antonio Filosa, the company’s chief operating officer for the Americas and a longtime Fiat Chrysler veteran, has emerged as the leading candidate to take the helm, according to multiple reports.

The automaker, which oversees brands like Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler, is reportedly nearing a final decision. Chairman John Elkann is leading the search and previously said the process would be wrapped up by the end of June. While Stellantis hasn’t confirmed the frontrunner publicly, a company spokesperson noted, “No decision has been made.”

Filosa’s name has been in the mix for months, but recent reports suggest his odds have significantly improved. Still, the situation is said to remain fluid, and Elkann could pivot to another candidate at the last minute.

From Jeep to North America

Filosa, a native of Naples, Italy, is no stranger to Stellantis or its predecessor companies. He began his career at Fiat in 1999 and eventually rose through the ranks of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Prior to his current role, he led the Jeep brand globally, a post that gave him deep exposure to both the U.S. and international markets. In December, he was appointed COO of the Americas and joined the company’s interim executive committee. His deep roots on the Fiat side of the 2021 Stellantis merger could help him navigate the multinational complexity of a company formed from two legacy automakers: FCA and Peugeot’s PSA Group.

Taking over at a tough time

If selected, Filosa would be stepping into the CEO role during a rocky stretch for Stellantis. The company reported a 14% drop in revenue in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period a year earlier. It also suspended its financial guidance for the year, citing uncertainty around global tariffs.

Filosa has acknowledged the importance of the U.S. market in his public appearances. “To us, the U.S. is the biggest market Stellantis has the privilege to operate in. It’s the biggest priority,” he said during the Detroit Auto Show in January. That message may have helped win over stakeholders frustrated under outgoing CEO Carlos Tavares.

Rebuilding U.S. relationships

Under Tavares, Stellantis had a strained relationship with some of its U.S. dealers. In contrast, Filosa has received more favorable marks from dealer groups and has made efforts to emphasize the strategic importance of the American market.

Rebuilding trust in the U.S. will likely be a key task for whoever becomes CEO. Stellantis has faced criticism from the United Auto Workers (UAW), which has pushed for greater domestic investment and job creation. Earlier this year, the UAW withdrew grievances tied to Stellantis’ operations in Detroit and Belvidere, Illinois, after receiving new commitments from the company.

Final thoughts

Whether Filosa ultimately gets the job remains to be seen. But if he does, he’ll inherit a company facing high expectations in a rapidly shifting auto market. EV strategy, U.S. market confidence, labor relations, and global production costs will all be on the table. One thing is certain: The next Stellantis CEO won’t have much time to ease into the role.

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