Stellantis Appoints Joao Laranjo CFO as Doug Ostermann Resigns
The sudden leadership change sees the auto industry veteran take the financial helm effective immediately.
Stellantis (STLA) announced a significant change in its executive ranks, appointing Joao Laranjo as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. The move follows the sudden resignation of Doug Ostermann, who is stepping down for personal reasons after a brief tenure in the role.
The appointment marks a return to the global automaker for Laranjo, a seasoned finance executive with deep roots in the automotive sector. and held various senior financial positions at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) before its merger. His extensive experience includes roles in financial planning, controlling, and treasury across different markets. Most recently, Laranjo was the Vice President of Finance for the Americas at Goodyear before rejoining Stellantis earlier this year.
The transition comes at a pivotal time for the parent company of Jeep, Ram, and Peugeot, as the entire industry grapples with the costly transition to electric vehicles and intense global competition. Sudden changes in key leadership positions, particularly the CFO role, are often closely watched by investors for signs of instability or shifts in financial strategy.
, Ostermann's departure is for personal reasons. He was appointed to the CFO position in October 2024, having previously served as the Chief Operating Officer for the company's China region. His brief period as finance chief adds an element of uncertainty that the market will now have to digest.
Laranjo's return is likely intended to reassure investors, bringing a known quantity with a strong track record within the company's ecosystem to the critical finance role. He will be tasked with stewarding the company's financial resources and strategy as it navigates product launches, capital-intensive electrification plans, and dynamic market conditions. under the new leadership. Stellantis has reaffirmed its financial guidance for 2025, signaling continuity in its near-term objectives despite the executive shuffle.