Stellantis, the automotive group owning brands like Jeep, Peugeot, and Fiat, has appointed Antonio Filosa as its new CEO following the sudden departure of Carlos Tavares in December.

Filosa, an Italian executive with over 25 years in the industry, was previously responsible for Stellantis’s North and South American operations and has been granted CEO powers effective June 23.

The company faces challenges including declining North American sales and US tariffs impacting the car industry, with Filosa credited for efforts to strengthen US operations by reducing dealership inventories and reorganizing leadership.

Tavares’s tenure was marked by a major merger creating Stellantis in 2021 and initially high profits, but recent sales drops led to lowered financial guidance.