Stellantis rehiring the former design director of PSA, after his few years at Renault!

It is almost back to basics for Gilles Vidal. After five years spent at Renault. Moreover, where he had been debauched in 2020 by Luca de Meo, the emblematic designer of PSA returns to the giron de Stellantis. For example, He has just been appointed Director of design for the group’s European brands. In addition, as of October 1, 2025, succeeding Jean-Pierre Ploué, who leaves the company.

This decision, formalized on July 25, marks a strategic turning point for the design of the Stellantis group in Europe. Consequently, It is part of a series of recent movements in the manufacturer’s high spheres. Furthermore, after the appointment of a new CEO, Antonio Filosa, and the reorganization of brands’ departments. For stellantis rehiring former design director example, The design does not escape it: Ralph Gilles is now director of world design. Moreover, and Gilles Vidal will take in hand the style of European brands, from Citroën to Fiat via Peugeot, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Maserati Opel or DS.

Long -standing talent – Stellantis rehiring former design director

Gilles Vidal is not a stranger at PSA, who has become Stellantis. However, Entered Citroën in 1996, he then marked Peugeot’s stylistic strategy for more than two decades from his imprint. Peugeot owes him the lines of the 208. 308 and 3008, all praised by the price of the European car of the year between 2015 and 2019. In total, ten major awards, including five titles of “Car of the Year”, come to mark his journey.

In 2020. he left the group to join Renault, as part of a profound renewal of the management team piloted by Luca de Meo. Again, he illustrated by stellantis rehiring former design director participating in the redefinition of Renault design.

Back at Stellantis – Stellantis rehiring former design director

But in 2025, it was at Stellantis that he returned. He will work in close collaboration with Ralph Gilles. his American counterpart, and will report directly to Jean-Philippe Imparato, director of operations for Europe.

According to the latter. “its deep understanding of European automotive culture and its vision of design to the future will be essential while we continue to redefine mobility and strengthen the identity of our European brands”.

Same bell sound at Ralph Gilles, who salutes a “first -plan design expert”. The arrival of Gilles Vidal is therefore perceived as a major asset to strengthen the stylistic coherence of group brands in Europe. in a context where design is more than ever a differentiation lever.

End of course for Jean-Pierre Ploué

This appointment also sounds like the end of an era: Jean-Pierre Ploué definitively left Stellantis. stellantis rehiring former design director a month after uncertainties emerged on his future within the group. If. at first, his position seemed to have been maintained within the structure managed by Jean-Philippe Imparato, with even an enlargement of his perimeter in Maserati, it was finally Gilles Vidal who takes over.

There are many thanks to him. highlighting his key role in the Renaissance of several brands in the group, notably DS and Citroën. His departure, however, leaves the question of his next destination.

A new stylistic era to come?

Gilles Vidal. for his part, said he was “enthusiastic” at the idea of taking up this challenge:

“In a world where technology and design must move forward in concert to transform the customer experience, I am motivated by the challenges and opportunities that await me. I can’t wait to take them alongside Jean-Philippe, Ralph and their teams.”

With this appointment. stellantis rehiring former design director Stellantis confirms its ambition: imposing a strong stylistic signature on its European brands and asserting their singularity, at a time when shared platforms tend to standardize the ranges. It remains to be seen what will be the first models marked on the Vidal paw.