Renault Restructures Leadership, Possibly Shifting Dacia‘s Brand Positioning
Renault Group has announced a significant restructuring of its leadership team, impacting key roles across engineering, strategy, and brand management. These changes, framed as a move towards faster decision-making and closer customer alignment, could have implications for Dacia’s future strategy, potentially moving it away from its established low-cost brand identity.
The reshuffle sees Philippe brunet appointed Chief Technology Officer, transitioning from his role as Vice-President of the Ampere Division focused on electric propulsion systems. He replaces Philippe Krief, who will now lead Alpine while remaining on the management team. Anthony Plouvier steps into the role of Chief Procurement Officer, previously held by new CEO François Provost. Thierry Charvet will now oversee both Industry & Quality and Supply Chain activities.Significant changes also impact personnel within the brand structure. Claire Fanget, formerly HR Director for the Renault brand, becomes Chief People & Organization Officer, replacing Bruno Lory who is leaving the company.Christian Stein, previously Head of Group Communications, joins the management team as Chief Communications Officer. Provost will continue to oversee Partnerships and Public Affairs.Notably,the departure of former Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot is linked to the increased responsibilities now assigned to Fabrice Cambolive. Cambolive will oversee customer experience across “digital areas, marketing, network of dealers, post selling, and the retail network owned by Renault Group,” effectively positioning him as a powerful Cooo within the Renault Group.
Renault states the new structure is designed to be more agile and streamlined, consolidating decision-making power. The leadership team now includes Design Head Laurens Van Den Acker, CFO Duncan Minto, and six other key figures.
Fabrice Cambolive’s deep familiarity with dacia – having led Renault Commercial Roumanie and the Dacia Plant between 2009 and 2011, and later overseeing rebranded Dacia models in Russia – suggests a potential shift in the brand’s direction. Given Cambolive’s expanded role and expertise,the restructuring could signal a move to evolve Dacia from a purely low-cost brand into a more mainstream offering.
Renault emphasizes the need for an organization that “decides faster, executes smarter and stays closer to our customers,” suggesting a broader strategic realignment beyond just personnel changes.
Additionally, a Romanian airport has recently eliminated the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage, becoming the first in the country to do so. (This data is included as it was present in the original source material, though not directly related to the Renault leadership changes).
