François Provost, CEO of Renault: “I started my career in 2002 in the Renault distribution network in France, and on my first day as CEO, I'm back on the front line.”

The appointment of François Provost as the new CEO of the Renault Group has sent a clear signal: the French manufacturer's strategy is, once again, on the ground. Literally. On his first day as CEO, Provost didn't celebrate in a boardroom or at an institutional event, but by returning to the roots of his professional career. "I began my career in 2002 in the Renault distribution network in France," the executive stated on his LinkedIn profile, referring to his time at the Renault distribution network in 2002. Now, as he states, "on my first day as CEO, I'm back on the front lines."

The new CEO's positioning aligns with the company's major strategic objectives. The group (present in 134 countries and with more than 3.8 million vehicles sold in 2018) works with brands such as Renault, Dacia, Alpine, LADA, Renault Samsung Motors, and Mobilize to lead the sector's energy transition.

Accompanied by Fabrice Cambolive and Guillaume Sicard, Provost visited two symbolic locations: the Saint-Quentin workshop in Trappes and the Orsay dealership in Les Ulis. According to the CEO, both represent the living heart of his brands, where trust is built and value is demonstrated.

Renault explained that this gesture is not anecdotal, but rather a powerful message: the leadership that Provost proposes is one of proximity, direct observation, and customer service.

During these first meetings, the new CEO not only greeted the teams. He also sat down to listen. The conversations revolved around topics that now define the industry: electrification, digitalization, mobility models, and purchasing power. Provost emphasized the importance of initiatives such as social leasing, through which Renault aims to facilitate access to electric cars for the most vulnerable sectors of society in France.

Another key point: used vehicles. “Preserving residual value is essential to maintaining customer trust,” said the executive, who also emphasized the diverse profiles the brand serves, from private drivers to professional customers.

The selection of François Provost represents a commitment to internal knowledge, strategic vision, and execution. Provost joins Renault after a 23-year career, holding key positions such as Chief Procurement, Partnerships, and Public Affairs Officer. With international experience, he is considered a well-balanced candidate for strategy and action.

In his statement after being appointed CEO on July 31, Provost expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and assured that his mandate will be focused on accelerating the group's transformation. "Our network is a strategic asset. It's where our customers experience the brand, and where major changes take shape," Provost said on LinkedIn.