San Francisco’s Speed Cameras: 31,000 Warnings in a Month and Fines on the Horizon
Airstream’s Frank Lloyd Wright Tribute: A Limited Edition Trailer Inspired by Timeless Design
Renault’s Leadership Shakeup: Luca de Meo Steps Down After Transformative Tenure
French firm starts hunt for new CEO after shock departure of de Meo after five years
Luca de Meo has stepped down from his role as the CEO of Renault Group after five years in the role.
The Italian joined the French company from Seat-Cupra five years ago, quickly launching the bold Renaulution business plan, involving the revival of the Renault 5 as an EV, an influx of new SUVs and the transformation of Alpine into an electric performance brand. The 58-year-old's plan helped revive the firm's fortunes.
The Renault Group said that de Meo had decided to "pursue new challenges outside the automotive sector", adding that the board has agreed he would depart on July 15. He will continue in his role until then. A hunt for a new group CEO "based on the already defined succession plan" has already been launched.
In a statement released by Renault, de Meo said: "There comes a time in one’s life when one knows the job is done." He added that "the result speak for themselves: they are the best in our history.
"We have a strong team and an agile organisation. We also have a strategic plan ready for the next generation of products. That is why I have decided it is time for me to hand over the baton."
De Meo, who won the top Issigonis Trophy at the 2024 Autocar Awards, added that he felt he was leaving "a transformed company" that was "poised for the future".
Renault Group chairman Jean-Dominique Senard described de Meo as "an exceptional captain of industry", adding that "the entire company joins me in thanking him for all these years and all the collective challenges successfully met".
De Meo: how to save the European car industry
De Meo's departure is a major surprise, given that when he had been linked to the role of Stellantis CEO – which was recently filled by Antonio Filosa – he had denied any desire to leave Renault, saying late last year that he still "had a job to do".
As well as being CEO of Renault, de Meo has recently served as president of the ACEA, the European automobile manufacturer's association, in which role he has advocated for a class of small European city cars to take on cheaper Chinese rivals.
The Hidden Costs of Owning a Bugatti: How a $1.20 Fix Saved Thousands
Build a Better Car: Ditch the Drive Modes for True Performance
Reviving the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve: A Supercar Dream Reimagined
Reviving the V8 Legacy: The Rare Chevy Colorado That Packs a Punch
Mercedes-Benz Unveils Bold New Look for GLE and GLS SUVs
Tesla Faces Class-Action Lawsuit as 10,000 Owners Report Phantom Braking Fears
Unveiling the VW Polo GTI Cabrio: A Dreamy Concept That Never Took Flight
