Xavier Chardon, a seasoned automotive executive, has been named the new CEO of Citroën, effective June 2, 2025. The appointment comes at a crucial moment for Stellantis, Citroën’s parent company, as it restructures leadership following the departure of former global CEO Carlos Tavares and several high-level executives.

Chardon brings over two decades of experience, including leadership roles at Volkswagen Group and PSA, with deep expertise in sales strategy, brand management, and European market operations. His predecessor, Thierry Koskas, stepped down amid shifting strategic priorities within Stellantis, which is grappling with the electrification race, competitive pressures from Chinese EV brands, and tightening EU regulatory mandates on emissions.

In his new role, Chardon will report to Jean-Philippe Imparato, COO for Enlarged Europe at Stellantis, and will be tasked with:

• Revitalizing Citroën’s identity in a saturated EV landscape;
• Accelerating product innovation, particularly in affordable electric mobility;
• Repositioning the brand for younger, sustainability-minded consumers;
• Strengthening European market share, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe.

Citroën, long viewed as a creative outlier within Stellantis’ brand portfolio, is aiming to reclaim relevance through a mix of design innovation, pricing accessibility, and digital-first strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Chardon’s appointment signals a push toward electrification and affordability.
• Citroën aims to carve a niche in the competitive European EV market.
• Leadership reshuffling reflects broader structural changes within Stellantis.