Stellantis has appointed Carlos Zarlenga to replace Mark Stewart as chief operating officer for North America.
Zarlenga joined the carmaker in 2022 as president of Stellantis Mexico and has more than a decade of automotive experience in EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America, having previously held the role of president and CEO of GM South America. The OEM said he has “delivered a year-on-year improvement in sales performance, market share and adjusted operating income, leading to the best profit level ever recorded in Mexico”.
In his new role, Zarlenga will aim to leverage further improvements in Stellantis’ performance in North America in close cooperation with the American brands and their CEOs, as well as lead the company in its transition to electrification. The appointment will be effective 1 February.
Mexico has become an increasingly important hotspot in the world of automotive logistics. Import and export trade has been booming and improving the flow of parts and vehicles across modes has been a key area of focus in the region. At our recent Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico conference, held in Mexico City in December, 93% of delegates said they expect business and operations for the Mexican automotive logistics industry to expand this year, with 79% expecting it to grow 10% or more compared to 2023.
Carlos Tavares, CEO, Stellantis said: “In the very demanding North American market with many obstacles to overcome in order to foster the performance on the company, Carlos Zarlenga is the best leader among our talent pool to replace Mark Stewart and to drive the change in our business model towards electrification in the region.”
“Zarlenga has demonstrated his ability to bring together and unite diverse teams and to deliver the expected results,” Tavares added. “I would like to thank Mark Stewart for his contribution to this role after a three-year cycle, corresponding to the date of creation of Stellantis and I wish him the best in his new position.”
It is not yet known whether Stewart will be joining a new role within the automotive logistics industry. Stewart was recently involved in the deal made with Stellantis’ UAW union workers following their strikes last year.
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