Renault Group is preparing for a leadership transition as CEO Luca de Meo announces his departure, ending a transformative five-year period marked by an ambitious turnaround and renewed market relevance. De Meo, who took the reins of the embattled French automaker in July 2020, will officially step down on July 15, with reports suggesting he will take on the role of CEO at luxury conglomerate Kering.
De Meo’s resignation comes as a surprise to many, especially given his widely praised revival of Renault through bold strategy, brand reinvention, and a renewed focus on profitability. When he arrived from SEAT—where he had previously driven a dramatic resurgence—the challenge at Renault was daunting. The company had just posted a record half-year net loss of €7.3 billion amid internal turmoil and an uncertain industry landscape.
Undeterred, de Meo launched the “Renaulution” plan, aimed at reshaping Renault’s identity and operations. He shifted the focus toward higher-margin vehicles, streamlined development timelines, and slashed underperforming models. A key part of this strategy was the emotional revival of the brand’s heritage, culminating in the rebirth of iconic nameplates such as the Renault 5.
Reimagined as a fully electric city car, the new R5 made waves in a market skeptical of EVs, thanks to its retro-inspired design, purposeful technology, and accessible appeal. It was quickly followed by a crossover reinterpretation of the Renault 4, and the much-loved Twingo is set for a comeback next year, drawing heavily from the original’s charm and practicality.
Beyond Renault’s core brand, de Meo also strengthened its Romanian sibling, Dacia, positioning it as a major player in Europe’s affordable vehicle segment. The Bigster SUV expanded Dacia’s lineup, and a new budget-friendly electric model—expected in 2026—will replace the Spring and be built in Europe.
Despite these accomplishments, de Meo has chosen to pivot his career. According to Le Figaro, he will become the new CEO of Kering, the luxury powerhouse that owns labels including Gucci, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent. The move marks a significant shift from automotive to high fashion and luxury goods.
“There comes a moment in life when one knows that the job is done,” de Meo said in a statement. “At Renault Group, we have faced enormous challenges in less than five years. We have achieved what many thought was impossible. Today, the results speak for themselves: they are the best in our history.”
Renault’s board of directors is now in the process of identifying a successor who can maintain the momentum and guide the company into its next chapter, especially as the industry faces continued transformation around electrification and mobility.
Luca de Meo, 58, leaves Renault not just as a skilled manager but as a visionary who reshaped one of France’s most iconic industrial players—and did so against the odds.
Source: Renault, Le Figaro
