Management Change at DS Automobiles: Citroën CEO Takes Responsibility

While the restructuring among the French brands in the Stellantis Group is gaining momentum, an important change has come to the fore in the management of the premium car brand DS Automobiles. According to the information obtained, DS Automobiles will now operate under the responsibility of Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon. This step is considered as one of the new strategic moves taken by Stellantis in line with its cost optimization and operational efficiency targets.

Within the scope of the FaSTLAne 2030 strategic plan announced by Stellantis on May 21, 2026, significant changes are being implemented in the organizational structure of the brands within the group. In this context, brands such as DS Automobiles and Lancia are put in a position to focus primarily on their own home markets.

It is stated that Xavier Peugeot, who has been managing DS Automobiles until now, will be replaced by Xavier Chardon, who has been the general manager of Citroën for about a year. Thus, the operational rapprochement between the two French brands will be further strengthened.

Stellantis European Operations President Emanuele Cappellano signaled this transformation in his recent statement. Cappellano stated that the restructuring of DS Automobiles under the Citroën organization does not threaten the future of the brand, on the contrary, it aims to make operational processes more efficient.

Company management emphasizes that the main goal of the restructuring is to commonize some functions and reduce costs in the face of increasing profitability pressure. It is also stated that DS Automobiles’ existing sales and distribution network will be preserved.

On the other hand, according to information that has not yet been officially confirmed by Stellantis, Philippe Narbeburu is expected to continue his duty as the representative of DS Automobiles in commercial activities in Europe. On the Citroën side, Laurent Diot will continue this duty.

Stellantis’ new organizational model is seen as a sign that DS Automobiles will have a more operationally integrated structure with Citroën while maintaining its premium brand identity. How this change will affect the brand’s competitiveness in the European market will become clear in the coming period.