The departure of Carlos Tavares from the automotive giant he helped create follows his inability to move on from previously successful strategies when faced with new, shifting challenges.

The Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram retailers watched pricey and older cars pile up on their lots this year, and felt Carlos Tavares wasn't listening.

Until a new CEO is hired, the company will be led by an interim executive committee chaired by John Elkann. Elkann, the great-great-grandson of Fiat founder Giovanni Agnelli, is Stellantis's chairman and the CEO of the automaker's largest shareholder, the Agnelli family investment vehicle Exor NV.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigned amid strategic disagreements and financial mismanagement. Read more to see my recommendation for STLA stock.

A record number of CEOs have left their roles in 2024, according to an analysis by a career transitioning firm. Stellantis and Intel's CEOs contributed to the trend this week as the companies face declining stock prices.

The carmaker said it hopes to conclude a hunt for Tavares’ replacement by the first half of 2025. In the meantime, John Elkann, Stellantis chairman and CEO of its largest shareholder Exor, will lead a new interim executive committee.

Stellantis NV Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares’s surprise departure leaves the maker of Jeep SUVs and Peugeot cars without clear leadership at a time of significant upheaval in the industry.