François Provost appointed CEO of Renault Group with mandate to sustain momentum and strategic agility

The Renault Group Board has confirmed the appointment of François Provost as chief executive officer and director, effective July 31. With a mandate spanning four years, Provost steps in following an interim period under Duncan Minto. The decision follows a recommendation by the Governance and Remuneration Committee and comes as the Group prepares to report its half-year financial results. 

Previously chief procurement, partnerships and public affairs officer, Provost brings operational experience and global sourcing insight to the OEM. Provost’s appointment marks a continuation of Renault’s strategic direction under experienced leadership, with a particular emphasis on operational execution, international growth and partnerships.

“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,” said Provost. “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.”

Supplier ecosystems under scrutiny

Provost’s appointment comes at a critical time for Renault, as the company navigates intensifying pressure across the European market. The Group is contending with a slowdown in regional demand – particularly in the light commercial vehicle segment – and increasing competition from agile Chinese EV entrants, which continue to erode margins in key markets. 

The leadership handover follows a profit warning issued by Minto, who flagged rising inventories, softening June sales in Europe and a €900m ($990m) working capital shortfall. In response, the Group lowered its full-year guidance, including operating margin and free cash flow targets.

Minto's interim mandate had already initiated a strategic recalibration – shifting Renault’s focus from volume-led growth to value creation, alongside cost-reduction measures spanning manufacturing, commercial operations, and research and development.

Renault has championed real-time logistics integration through control towers, giving it visibility and flexibility to mitigate disruptions before they escalate. During an Automotive Logistics Red Sofa interview, Jean-Marc Carlicchi, vice-president of supply chain engineering, explained that the company has implemented inbound and outbound control towers that aggregate real-time transport data and leverage machine learning to predict delays, optimise logistics flows and respond proactively to disruptions.

Against this backdrop, François Provost assumes leadership with a strong command of the Group’s supplier relations, procurement strategy, and global partnerships. His experience will be critical in preserving strategic agility and execution discipline.

Global exposure, regional impact

Since joining Renault in 2002, Provost has held a succession of senior international roles, including CEO of Renault-Nissan Portugal and head of Renault Samsung Motors in Korea. He has managed operations in Russia, led regional strategy across Asia-Pacific and ultimately served as head of international development.

From Shanghai to Seoul to Moscow, his remit has spanned complex logistics environments.

An orchestrator of transformation

Jean-Dominique Senard, chairman of the board, expressed strong support for Provost’s appointment. “I am confident that François Provost will lead the Group with discernment and determination in an environment that demands both rigour in execution, strategic vision, and the ability to innovate,” he said. “Thanks to his expertise and knowledge of the company, we will be able to complete the implementation of our strategic plan, finalise the terms of the next one, and ensure its successful execution.”

With Renault splitting out its EV and ICE operations into Ampere and Horse, Provost faces a complex logistics landscape. Managing two distinct vehicle platforms will require careful coordination across supply chains, transport modes and internal flows. Internal supply routes, reverse logistics and material traceability will also become central concerns, particularly under European decarbonisation mandates.

Renault’s next logistics blueprint

At a time when many carmakers are doubling down on nearshoring, traceability and digital twin implementation, Provost’s strategic mindset may prove timely. 

“It is with pride and gratitude that I welcome my appointment,” said Provost. “You can count on my commitment and determination to write the next page of our history together.”