The Italian manager, who has led Stellantis in North and South America, will succeed Carlos Tavares, who abruptly quit in December.

Filosa was unanimously selected by the board following a “thorough search process of internal and external candidates”, Stellantis said in a statement.

Stellantis said it would call an extraordinary shareholder meeting in the coming days to elect Filosa to the board to serve as an executive director of the company.

“Meanwhile, to give him full authority and ensure an efficient transition, the Board has granted him CEO powers effective June 23,” the statement said.

“The Board selected Filosa to be CEO based on his proven track record of hands-on success during his more than 25 years in the automotive industry,” Stellantis said.

The company also praised “the depth and span of his experience around the world, his unrivalled knowledge of the Company and his recognised leadership qualities”.