When Luca de Meo took over as Renault’s CEO in 2020, the company was in dire straits, facing a substantial loss amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Through his leadership, he orchestrated a ‘Renaulution’, transforming the company and bringing them to a profitable position.
With de Meo’s departure to Kering, the future of Renault, especially the products introduced during his tenure, is uncertain. His unique approach of blending product passion with financial acumen set him apart from others in the industry.
De Meo’s focus on creating exceptional cars contrasted with the cost-cutting strategies of his predecessor, Carlos Ghosn. His track record of success from Fiat and Volkswagen Group is evident in Renault’s revitalized product lineup.
Despite successes in Renault’s road cars, de Meo’s management of the Alpine F1 team has garnered mixed reviews following restructuring efforts and personnel changes under his watch. The uncertainty around leadership at Alpine has led to internal strife and challenges on the racing front.
Looking ahead, the legacy of Luca de Meo at Renault will be defined by the sustainability and further evolution of the ‘Renaulution’ as the company navigates a new era without its visionary leader.
