Vidal back at Stellantis
Gilles Vidal takes over Stellantis’ European Brands
In a surprise move, Gilles Vidal returns to former stomping ground to lead design across Stellantis' European marques; Jean-Pierre Ploué is out
Stellantis has announced the appointment of Gilles Vidal as head of design for its European brands, effective October 1, 2025. The surprising move marks a significant return for Vidal, who spent 25 years shaping the design language of Citroën and Peugeot. He replaces Jean-Pierre Ploué, who will leave the company later this year.
In his new role, Vidal will oversee the creative direction and design strategy across Stellantis’ European portfolio, from city cars to light commercial vehicles and work closely with Ralph Gilles, Stellantis' global chief design officer. Gilles, however, will report to Jean-Philippe Imparato, enlarged Europe chief operating officer.
Vidal is coming off a series of career highs having served as vice president of design at Renault Group, where he helped define the brand’s new visual identity. His work on the Renault 5 E-Tech earned the 2024 Production Car Design of the Year at the Car Design News People Awards, where he spoke to CDN about his belief in “emotional clarity” and the fusion of heritage and innovation.
“Gilles’ deep understanding of European automotive culture and his forward-thinking design philosophy will be essential as we continue to redefine mobility and strengthen the identity of our European brands,” said Imparato. “I also want to thank Jean-Pierre Ploué for his remarkable contributions and team spirit.”
A highly respected figure in the design community, Vidal is credited with modernising Peugeot’s design language and leading the development of several standout models, including the 208, 3008, and 308, each of which earned European Car of the Year accolades between 2015 and 2019. Across his career, Vidal’s work has garnered ten major industry awards.
Jean-Pierre Ploué, meanwhile, is set to leave Stellantis having been appointed design director of the European brands following the Stellantis merger in 2021. Initially placed on equal footing with opposite number Ralph Gilles based in the United States, Ploué's role was recast in June 2025 when incoming CEO Antonio Filosa promoted Ralph Gilles to global head of design. During his tenure, Ploué was instrumental in reviving the Lancia brand. Prior to the merger, the French-designer was director of design for the PSA group, overseeing the man who now replaces him.
In 2009, he was promoted to Director of Design for the PSA group, in charge of designers Gilles Vidal from Peugeot and Thierry Métroz from Citroën since early 2010.
“Gilles is a first-class design expert whose vehicles have been awarded European Car of the Year five times over the past decade,” said Ralph Gilles. “He will build on the outstanding legacy left by Jean-Pierre Ploué, who has been instrumental in the revival and development of many of our brands.”
Reflecting on his new role, Vidal said: “As I return to Stellantis, I’m excited to reconnect with my design roots. In today’s fast-evolving landscape, where technology and design must work together to transform the customer experience, I look forward to the challenges ahead and to collaborating closely with Jean-Philippe, Ralph, and the wider team."
