Carlos Zarlenga will replace Mark Stewart as Stellantis’ chief operating officer for North America, effective Feb. 1, according to a company press release Tuesday.
“In the very demanding North American market with many obstacles to overcome in order to foster the performance of 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,” Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said in a statement.
The automaker did not explain Stewart’s departure.
Zarlenga joined Stellantis in 2022 as president of the automaker’s operations in Mexico. During his tenure, Stellantis Mexico’s sales improved 30% from 2022 to 2023, making it the automaker’s best sales year in Mexico since 2012, according to Stellantis. The company also gained market share and delivered its highest-ever profits in Mexico under Zarlenga’s leadership, according to Tuesday’s press release. Before joining Stellantis, Zarlenga served as president and CEO of General Motors South America.
The news comes as the automaker ramps up its transition to electrification. Stellantis is investing more than $52.9 billion over the next decade and aims for EVs to account for 100% of its passenger car sales in Europe and 50% of its passenger car and light-duty truck sales in the U.S. by 2030.
Stellantis, along with General Motors and Ford Motor Co., is also looking for ways to reduce costs amid its transition to electrification following its landmark labor agreement with the United Auto Workers union. In November, Reuters reported that Stellantis will offer $50,000 buyouts in 2024 and 2026 to production workers represented by the United Auto Workers union, allowing the automaker to cut costs by hiring new workers with lower starting wages.
