François Provost appointed new CEO of Renault Group

Renault’s board of directors confirmed François Provost as CEO just days after naming CFO Duncan Minto interim chief on 15 July, following Luca de Meo’s departure after five years at the helm. De Meo moved to Kering, the parent group of luxury brands such as Gucci and Balenciaga.

Provost officially takes up his post today, 31 July 2025, with an initial four-year term. On his first day in office, he also presented Renault Group’s half-year results. The Group’s total revenue, including brands Dacia and Alpine, rose by 2.5 per cent to €27.6 billion. However, operating profit fell from €2.175 billion to €1.65 billion, resulting in a drop in operating margin from 8.1 to 6.0 per cent.

Billions in losses from Nissan partnership

The financial report was significantly impacted by Renault’s restructured partnership with Nissan. Due to changes in how the Nissan stake is accounted for, the Group recorded a non-cash loss of €9.3 billion. Including associated companies, the total loss comes to €11.1 billion.

“Our first-half results, in a challenging market, were not aligned with our initial ambitions. We have already launched a set of countermeasures to deliver our targets. Nevertheless, Renault Group’s profitability remains a reference in our industry, and we are determined to maintaining this standard,” said Provost.

While Provost has made limited public comments on the role of electric vehicles in the Group’s broader strategy, he states on his LinkedIn profile that he led Renault Group’s transformation plan, launched Ampere as a dedicated EV brand, and spun off Horse Powertrain, the internal combustion joint venture with Geely and Aramco.

Standing up to Chinese manufacturers

During today’s earnings presentation, Provost underlined competitiveness with Chinese manufacturers as a strategic priority – a key issue given their strong focus on electric mobility. He pointed to a 57 per cent year-on-year rise in EV sales across all Renault brands in Europe in the first half of 2025 as a marker of progress. He also reaffirmed his intent to accelerate Renault Group’s transformation.

Provost, 57, has been with Renault since 2002. In his previous role, he oversaw procurement, partnerships, and public affairs. His political experience includes roles at France’s defence and finance ministries.

“I am confident that François Provost will lead the Group with discernment and determination in an environment that demands both rigor in execution, strategic vision, and the ability to innovate,” said Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of Renault’s Board of Directors. “In this rapidly changing industry, his determination and sense of responsibility will be true assets to guide the teams and sustain our momentum. At Renault Group, there is no place for the status quo.”

On his appointment, Provost commented: “I will dedicate all my energy and passion to contributing – alongside our 100,000 employees, our dealers, suppliers, and partners – to the development of our Group, one of the flagships of French industry for the past 127 years.” He added: “Renault Group benefits from strong fundamentals, with committed teams, an outstanding range of products, strong brands, and an innovative organisational model. These will be invaluable assets as we accelerate our transformation in an increasingly demanding environment for our industry. You can count on my commitment and determination to write the next page of our history together.”

renaultgroup.com (Provost), renaultgroup.com (H1 results), linkedin.com