Everyone knows the CEO of the company, the person who sits at the helm, is the one to make all the major decisions that shape a firm’s future.
But below them is a hotbed of talent, the brand front-runners, who wield their own power both within the company and outside. They make decisions on strategic direction and technology sourcing.
We recognise the achievements of those within the Power List 100, sponsored by Keyloop. Within this list will come the future overall leaders of the automotive industry.
Power List 100 2023 - Brand front-runners
Ted Cannis, CEO, Ford Pro
Ted Cannis wields real influence at Ford. With an exceptional line-up of commercial vehicles to back him, he is busy demonstrating the profitability of connected services to customers. This year, he has also taken charge of Ford Customer Service Division, which handles global parts, services, accessories and customisation for all of Ford.
Thierry Koskas, CSMO, Stellantis; CEO, Citroën
In charge of sales and marketing for Stellantis, Thierry Koskas is responsible for the growth of over a dozen brands. In his additional role as Citroën CEO, he has been charged with reviving the French brand, whose sales and market shares have dipped recently. Past long-standing roles at Renault are sure to stand him in good stead.
Antonio Filosa, CEO, Jeep
Jeep’s new chief has big shoes to fill. Antonio Filosa succeeds Christian Meunier and, over the past three years, Meunier led one of the most dramatic transformations in the brand’s 80-year history. Filosa, previously COO of Stellantis South America, will look to continue Jeep’s push to become a full-EV brand by 2030.
Ralf Brandstätter, head of China, Volkswagen Group
Previously in charge of Volkswagen Passenger Cars for a number of years, Ralf Brandstätter runs VW’s largest market by some distance in his role as head of China. His success is absolutely vital for VW. A recent tie-up with Chinese firm Xpeng to co-develop two mid-sized Volkswagen EVs will bolster its plans there.
Linda Jackson, CEO, Peugeot
After six years as Citroën CEO and a year in charge of brand portfolio development at the PSA Group, Linda Jackson was always going to be a key player in Stellantis’s executive line-up. Inheriting ascending Peugeot, which accounts for a fifth of Stellantis’s global volume, Jackson is growing it internationally and improving customer service.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO, Alfa Romeo
The effervescent Frenchman turned Peugeot around, crucially with healthy profit margins. Throw in his 30 years of experience, much of it around sales and quality control, and Imparato was deemed the right man to work his magic at Alfa Romeo. He has already brought Alfa in the black once more, and sales are increasing too, helped significantly by the Tonale small SUV.
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