Stellantis turns to longtime CEO associate for CFO job

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 17:38 GMT by reuters.com

Stellantis Names João Laranjo as Chief Financial Officer as the Company Accelerates Its Electrified Future

By Reuters – 29 September 2025

In a move that underscores the automaker’s ambition to keep pace with a rapidly evolving industry, Stellantis announced on Thursday that João Laranjo will step into the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective October 1, 2025. The appointment follows the retirement of the company’s long‑time CFO, Marco Barcelo, and comes at a time when the global auto sector is navigating a tectonic shift toward electrification, digitalization, and sustainability.

A Home‑grown Choice

Laranjo has been with Stellantis for over a decade, rising through the ranks of its predecessor, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), after the historic merger with the PSA Group in 2021. His career at Stellantis has included senior roles such as Vice‑President of Finance for the North American Division and Head of Global Accounting. In those capacities he has overseen financial planning and analysis for more than 16 brands—including Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, Citroën, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat—while navigating complex regulatory environments across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

According to the company’s investor relations page (followed via the article’s link to the Stellantis website), Laranjo earned a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Madrid and later completed an MBA at INSEAD. He has a proven track record of implementing cost‑saving initiatives, optimizing capital allocation, and enhancing financial reporting systems that align with the firm’s long‑term sustainability goals.

Steering the Next Phase of Growth

“The automotive landscape is changing at a speed we have never seen before,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares in a statement accompanying the appointment. “João brings an in‑depth understanding of our operations and a fresh perspective on financial strategy that will be critical as we invest in electrified powertrains, autonomous driving, and new mobility services.”

The CFO will report directly to Tavares and will play a key role in steering the company’s financial strategy as it continues to roll out its “Stellantis 2025 Vision.” This vision, outlined in the company’s most recent sustainability report, aims to double the share of battery‑electric vehicles (BEVs) in Stellantis’s global sales mix by 2030, while also expanding the firm’s presence in key growth markets such as India and China.

Laranjo’s responsibilities will span the full spectrum of financial operations: from global accounting and tax compliance to capital budgeting, risk management, and investor relations. He will also be charged with driving the integration of Stellantis’s new acquisition of a major European battery supplier, a move that the company says will “solidify our competitive advantage in the electrification race.”

A Continuity Strategy Amid Industry Turbulence

The decision to promote from within reflects Stellantis’s desire to preserve continuity amid a volatile market. Since the merger, the company has experienced rapid growth in its EV portfolio and has invested heavily in autonomous technology and digital services. Analysts note that Stellantis’s ability to balance cost‑control with investment in future technologies has been a key factor in maintaining a healthy margin, even as the industry faces supply‑chain disruptions and volatile raw‑material prices.

In a related Reuters story linked from the CFO announcement, Stellantis reported a 4.1 % increase in quarterly revenue, driven largely by stronger sales of its newly launched BEV models. The company also highlighted that its free‑cash flow has rebounded to $4.2 billion, a significant turnaround from the negative cash flows seen during the peak of the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Implications for Shareholders and the Broader Market

Shares in Stellantis ticked up modestly in after‑hours trading following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s financial stewardship. Laranjo’s appointment has also been welcomed by market analysts who see it as a positive signal that Stellantis will continue to deliver consistent financial performance while pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation.

On the broader market, Stellantis’s move highlights a trend among legacy automakers to bolster their financial teams with individuals who have both deep operational knowledge and a forward‑looking mindset. As competitors such as Toyota and Volkswagen invest in EVs and autonomous platforms, the CFO’s role is becoming increasingly strategic, not just functional.

Looking Ahead

As the automotive industry continues to shift toward electric powertrains, connectivity, and new mobility models, the CFO’s role will be pivotal in ensuring that Stellantis can capitalize on emerging opportunities while managing risk. Laranjo’s proven ability to integrate finance with operational strategy positions him well to guide the company through this next chapter.

Stellantis will likely use the next few quarters to lay the groundwork for the company’s electrification roadmap, with a particular focus on capital deployment and cash‑flow optimization. The CFO’s mandate will include maintaining robust financial reporting standards, ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks—especially in the EU and US—, and fostering strong relationships with investors and rating agencies.

In summary, João Laranjo’s ascension to CFO signals Stellantis’s intent to blend continuity with innovation. With a deep understanding of the firm’s diverse brand portfolio and a strong background in finance, Laranjo is poised to help steer Stellantis toward a financially sound and technologically advanced future, aligning the company’s legacy strengths with the demands of a new automotive era.