It’s August 5, 2025, and the buzz in the auto world is all about a surprising talent shuffle. Renault just launched its “80s vibe” electric car, the Renault 5 E-Tech, to big fanfare. Yet, right at this moment of high visibility, two of its most important leaders are heading for the exit. Luca de Meo and Gilles Vidal are moving on, leaving many scratching their heads.
A Double Departure
In recent weeks, Renault has seen two key figures leave its push for renewal and electric vehicles. The latest to depart is Gilles Vidal. He’s the designer behind the cool new looks of Renault’s classic cars, including the Renault 5 E-Tech. He just moved to Stellantis.
His departure came right after Luca de Meo announced his own exit. De Meo had been the CEO since 2020. He was the brains behind a plan called “Renaulution.” Now, he’s off to run the luxury group Kering, known for brands like Gucci and Balenciaga. These two big goodbyes are a real jolt for Renault. The company is currently having one of its best sales periods, after years of losing money under old management.
The Designer Who Made Waves
Gilles Vidal is a big name in the European car business. He spent 25 years at the PSA Group, where he designed popular cars like the Peugeot 208, 3008, and 308. He came to Renault in 2020 and really changed how the brand’s cars looked.
The Renault 5 E-Tech is a prime example of his work. It cleverly brought back the 80s style with a modern, techy feel. This car was even named European Car of the Year 2025. Vidal himself said in a recent chat, “With the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, we hit the bullseye.”
Now, Vidal is going back to Stellantis. He’ll start on October 1, 2025, as the Design Director for all European brands. He’ll take over from Jean-Pierre Ploué and will report to Jean-Philippe Imparato, who leads operations for Europe. Vidal shared his excitement about his new challenge. He said, “I am excited to return to my roots. In a world where technology and design must walk together to transform the customer experience, the challenges and opportunities ahead excite me.”
Renault’s Next Chapter
So, Stellantis is getting stronger, while Renault is left with a couple of big holes to fill. They need new leaders and new creative minds. The big question is whether the success of the Renault 5 E-Tech is just a one-time win or if it means a whole new, lasting successful period for the brand. The answer might start to appear with Renault’s next big release, the Renault 4 E-Tech, which is almost ready to hit the market.