Stellantis just handed its China and Asia-Pacific business to the man running Leapmotor International. That says more than any slide deck about where the Franco-Italian-American group thinks its EV future will be built.
Tianshu Xin takes over as head of Stellantis China and Asia-Pacific operations on Aug. 3, 2026. He’ll report directly to CEO Antonio Filosa and join the group’s leadership team. Grégoire Olivier, the current China chief, moves into a strategic advisory role and will keep supporting the China business.
This isn’t a routine personnel shuffle. Xin is the Stellantis executive most closely tied to Leapmotor, the Chinese EV maker that has become the group’s fastest route back into the electric car conversation. In February 2025, Stellantis made Xin chief operating officer of its China operations and put him in charge of the “Stellantis-Leapmotor” strategic alliance. Since November 2023, he’s also been CEO of Leapmotor International, the export arm set up to take Leapmotor cars overseas.
Why Stellantis picked the Leapmotor International CEO
Stellantis bought roughly 20% of Leapmotor in October 2023 for about €1.5B, or $1.71B, and created Leapmotor International around the same time. On paper, it looked like a Western carmaker buying a seat at China’s EV table. In practice, it has become a test case for how old-line global groups can use Chinese EV speed without pretending they can copy it overnight.
Leapmotor brings the electric vehicle hardware, software pace, and China supplier relationships. Stellantis brings factories, dealer channels, regulatory experience, and brand presence outside China. That split is why the tie-up matters. It’s also why Xin’s promotion feels logical rather than symbolic.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xin starts new role | Aug. 3, 2026 | Head of China and Asia-Pacific operations |
| Stellantis investment in Leapmotor | About €1.5B ($1.71B) | Announced in October 2023 |
| Leapmotor stake | Roughly 20% | Held by Stellantis |
| Xin named Stellantis China COO | February 2025 | Responsible for the “Stellantis-Leapmotor” alliance |
| Xin became Leapmotor International CEO | November 2023 | Led overseas expansion |
| Leapmotor International profit milestone | 2025 | Reached profitability |
China has been brutal for Peugeot, Citroen and Jeep
Stellantis didn’t arrive here by choice alone. China has been rough for the group. Peugeot, Citroen, Jeep and other brands have been losing ground while local brands raced ahead on battery cost, cabin tech, driver assistance features, and pricing. Walk through a Chinese showroom district now and the problem is obvious: a 200,000 yuan local EV often feels newer inside than a much pricier legacy import.
Antonio Filosa’s answer appears to be less pride, more pragmatism. Stellantis is still a giant, but in China it can’t dictate terms. It has to learn, partner, and use Chinese suppliers where they are plainly ahead. The group has expanded cooperation with Dongfeng Motor this year and is also moving ahead with a European battery project with CATL.
For more on how this tie-up is moving beyond boardroom talk, see our earlier coverage of the Stellantis and Leapmotor Opel EV plan. The Malaysia angle matters too, because local assembly can change pricing and tariffs fast. We covered that in detail when Stellantis began Leapmotor vehicle assembly in Malaysia.
What this means for EV buyers
If you’re in China, this reshuffle won’t suddenly make Peugeot or Citroen cool again. Brand damage takes years to repair. What it can do is give Stellantis a cleaner route to Chinese EV tech and faster model planning for Asia-Pacific markets.
If you’re in Europe, Southeast Asia, or another export market watching Leapmotor, this is more direct. Stellantis control and distribution could mean better dealer access, clearer warranty handling, and a less risky ownership experience than buying a Chinese EV through a thin importer. Service still needs scrutiny. Parts supply, software updates, battery warranty handling, and resale values will decide whether Leapmotor can win repeat buyers outside China.
Should you buy now or wait? If a Leapmotor model already suits your budget and there’s Stellantis-backed service in your country, it’s worth a serious look. If the dealer network is still thin, wait for the next wave of locally assembled or officially distributed cars. The car may be good. The ownership net around it matters just as much.
Pablo Di Si joins as Stellantis chief performance officer
Stellantis also named Pablo Di Si as chief performance officer. His job is to push value creation plans and improve day-to-day operating performance. Di Si previously served as president and CEO of Volkswagen Group North America, so he knows the pain of running global brands through regional market swings.
There is a broader pattern here. Chinese auto groups are moving quickly, and foreign carmakers are changing leadership to keep up. The reshuffle at Lynk & Co is another useful reference point, which we covered in our story on Gan Jiayue becoming Lynk & Co chairman.
For Stellantis, China is no longer just where it tries to sell Jeeps and Peugeots. It’s where the group is borrowing EV know-how, supplier speed, and lower-cost engineering discipline. Xin’s promotion makes that official. The old China playbook has failed. This is the new one.
