Renault Group confirmed on 11 June 2026 that Christian Stein will take over as CEO of its Spanish operations starting 1 July. He succeeds Josep María Recasens, who announced his departure weeks ago to become CEO of Indra, a Spanish multinational in the defence and technology sectors. Stein will combine his new role with his current position as Chief Communication Officer of Renault Group, reporting directly to group CEO François Provost.

A career spanning three automotive groups

Stein brings over 35 years of automotive industry experience to the role. He began his career at Peugeot in 1991, working internationally across France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom in retail, finance, sales, and marketing. In 2011 he moved to Seat, where he served as global marketing director and later global director of communication and public affairs. He joined Renault Group in 2020 as VP of brands communications, was named VP Revenue Management & Customer Experience at Ampere in 2023, and has held the Chief Communication Officer role since 2024.

“Con oltre 35 anni di esperienza nell'industria automotive, Christian Stein ha realizzato un raro percorso professionale, all'incrocio tra operazioni, business ed influenza.”

Strategic timing for the Spanish operations

The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for Renault in Spain. The appointment follows the recent signing of a new collective bargaining agreement for Renault Spain and aligns with the launch of the group's global strategic plan, futuREady. Under the new industrial plan, five new electrified models and a new electric platform have been assigned to the Spanish plants in Valladolid and Palencia, including the first electric vehicles Renault will produce in the country.

“Mercato strategico ed importante centro industriale del Gruppo, la Spagna ha compiuto un importante passo avanti con l'assegnazione ai suoi stabilimenti di cinque nuovi modelli elettrici nell'ambito del piano futuREady.”

Spain's 75-year milestone

2026 marks Renault's 75th anniversary in Spain, where the group maintains a substantial industrial, commercial, and R&D footprint. Its facilities are located in Madrid, Valladolid, Palencia, and Seville, supported by a network of 482 sales and after-sales points for the Renault, Dacia, and Alpine brands, backed by Mobilize Financial Services.

Leadership transition

Provost thanked Recasens for his commitment during his tenure and wished him success in his future projects. Stein, described as having deep knowledge of the Spanish market and culture, will be responsible for directing all of the company's activities in the country and serving as the group's highest institutional representative in Spain.