Renault appointed François Provost as CEO, choosing a low-key insider to guide the French automaker through weak demand and escalating competition, which recently led to a profit warning.
The rapid promotion of Provost, the automaker’s head of partnerships, comes less than two months after former boss Luca de Meo’s abrupt departure to join luxury group Kering, as the venture eyes rolling out a new strategic plan in late 2025.
Unknown outside the company, Provost, 57, led the automaker’s prior transformation plan, which de Meo unveiled in 2022. In his capacity as director of partnerships, he played a significant role in putting the former CEO’s asset-light strategy into action, allowing the company to compete with much larger rivals like Stellantis.
“Thanks to his expertise and knowledge of the company, we will be able to complete the implementation of our strategic plan, finalise the terms of the next one, and ensure its successful execution,” Chair Jean-Dominique Senard said in a statement.
A focus on Europe has helped Renault outperform many of its competitors since 2024, largely shielding it from the trade unrest brought on by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. However, because of its dependence on Europe, it is more susceptible to the region’s slow growth. As a result, it lowered its full-year margin forecast in August and began cutting costs.
Meet François Provost
Provost was born in France in 1968 and received his education and training at esteemed French universities. He graduated from two of France’s best engineering schools, École Polytechnique and École des Mines de Paris. Early in his career, he worked in the Treasury Department of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance. Additionally, he served as the French Minister of Defence’s industrial advisor, which exposed him to high-level strategic and financial duties in the public sector at a young age.
In 2002, Provost started working for Renault in France, initially in sales and marketing positions. He advanced through the ranks swiftly, serving as regional sales director, branch general manager, and, by 2005, managing director of Renault-Nissan Portugal. In his role as Vice President of Strategy and Planning from 2008 to 2010, he helped set Renault’s commercial course. His appointment as Chief Operating Officer of Renault Russia launched his international career and enhanced his reputation as a world leader.
In 2011, he was appointed CEO of Renault Samsung Motors in South Korea, further expanding his global reach. Provost was selected to oversee Renault’s activities in China in 2016, and in 2017, he was named Chairman of the Asia-Pacific area. During this time, he managed important joint ventures and strategic alliances in the Chinese market. His time spent in Asia put him in a strong position to help Renault grow in new and cutthroat foreign markets.
By 2020, Provost had expanded into more strategic positions within the Renault Group. Prior to taking on duties for Public Affairs and Global Purchasing Operations, he was named Senior Vice President for International Development and Partnerships. He took over as managing director and chief purchasing officer of the Alliance Purchasing Organisation in 2023, overseeing procurement tactics for Renault and its international partnerships. He established his reputation within the organisation by managing intricate, global operations in the public, private, and industrial sectors.
François Provost was appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of Renault Group, effective July 31, 2025. In a time of growing market challenges and economic pressure on automakers, he succeeded Luca de Meo. With more than 20 years of international operations, corporate strategy, and supply chain management experience, Provost will lead Renault through a key phase of its transformation, focusing on electrification, innovation, and restoring competitiveness in both mature and developing markets.