Peugeot Family Dispute Over Future Influence in Stellantis Auto Group

In 2021, Stellantis emerged from the merger between PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. This merger aimed to establish a Franco-Italian balance in corporate governance. Initially, five directors from Peugeot and five from Agnelli were appointed to ensure stability, with Carlos Tavares, CEO of PSA, leading the company for a five-year term. However, as the dynamics shifted, significant challenges have arisen.

The Shift in Leadership and Influence

By December 2024, Tavares’ early departure raised concerns over the influence of the Peugeot family within Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest auto group. Since June 2025, Antonio Filosa has taken over leadership, supported by Robert Peugeot. This transition to an Italian-American leadership model has altered internal dynamics, intensifying worries among the French stakeholders.

Family Tensions and Board Representation

As Stellantis approaches the end of 2025, the Peugeot family holdings must appoint a representative to the board. This seat, currently held by Robert Peugeot, symbolizes a strategic clash between Robert, a proponent of continuity, and his cousin Xavier, who leads DS.

• Robert Peugeot (75): Advocates for stability and prioritizes skills over nationality.
• Xavier Peugeot (60): Supports a more industrial focus and aims to amplify the family’s influence.

Xavier is critical of the decisions made in the past years and believes that the family missed an opportunity to strengthen its stake in Stellantis and obtain two board seats. He proposes an aggressive approach to regain influence through the possible acquisition of Dongfeng’s share, despite current preferences leaning towards diversification.

The French Stakeholder’s Concerns

The decision regarding the future Peugeot representative represents more than a board appointment. It reflects the anxiety surrounding the family’s diminishing presence and the apparent shift of control toward Detroit and Turin.

Shifting Corporate Culture

Under Filosa’s leadership, strategic positions in Europe and South America have been filled by former FCA managers. This trend has prompted questions about the industrial future of Stellantis, including investments and the future of production lines. Many within the Peugeot family feel their voice in these critical decisions is weakening.

Internal concerns also echo those of the Agnelli family, where Exor, led by John Elkann, retains significant control over Stellantis’ strategic direction. The potential exit of Robert Peugeot from the board may further exacerbate the imbalance in influence.

The Implications for Stellantis’ Future

The upcoming decision regarding board representation could redefine the Peugeot family’s role in Stellantis. For the first time since the merger, there appears to be a divergence in strategy among family members. This discord raises fears that France’s influence may wane, particularly in negotiations over key issues such as future product platforms and industrial investments.

Filosa continues to navigate Stellantis along its intended path, remaining publicly neutral. However, it is clear that a more proactive family representative could significantly impact the board’s discussions leading up to 2026.