François Provost has officially been appointed CEO of Renault Group following a decision by the Board of Directors, chaired by Jean-Dominique Senard.
The appointment, effective from July 31, was made on the recommendation of the Governance and Compensation Committee and marks a strategic internal choice for the future leadership of the company.
Who’s François Provost
Born in 1968 and a graduate of two of France’s most prestigious institutions — École Polytechnique and École des Mines in Paris — Provost brings a wealth of experience to the role. Before entering the automotive industry, he began his career in public service at the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Defense. He joined Renault in 2002 and has since held a series of high-profile positions, including Head of Commercial Operations, CEO of Renault Samsung Motors, Head of Renault Group’s China operations, and most recently, Director of Purchasing, Partnerships, and Public Affairs.
Provost was also a close collaborator of former CEO Luca de Meo, who stepped down in mid-July to take on a leadership role at luxury conglomerate Kering. His appointment signals continuity at Renault, especially as the Group advances its multi-phase transformation strategy.
In choosing Provost over other high-profile candidates such as Maxime Picat (formerly of Stellantis) and Denis Le Vot (head of Dacia), the Board opted for internal stability and a deep understanding of Renault’s complex international footprint. Provost is expected to serve a four-year term and play a central role in executing the strategic roadmap laid out by his predecessor, including the “Futurama” plan presented shortly before de Meo’s departure.
Provost has already been instrumental in implementing Renault’s Renaulution strategy, particularly in the creation of the Group’s two major divisions: Ampere (for electric vehicles) and Horse (focused on hybrid and combustion technologies). He also led key negotiations with Chinese automaker Geely — now a co-owner of the Horse division — and has overseen collaborations in South Korea and Brazil. Notably, Provost played a pivotal role in bringing Saudi oil giant Aramco into Renault’s capital structure and helped unwind the company’s long-standing alliance with Nissan.
In his first remarks as CEO, Provost emphasized his commitment to the company and its people:
“My thoughts go especially to the teams who have supported me over these past 23 years. I will put all my energy and passion into contributing to the Group’s development alongside our 100,000 employees, as well as our dealers, suppliers, and partners. Renault has been a flagship of French industry for 127 years, and together we will ensure its continued success.”
As Renault faces intensifying global competition, rapid technological evolution, and growing environmental challenges, Provost’s leadership is seen as a move to ensure continuity, strategic execution, and steady transformation rooted in deep corporate knowledge and international experience.
