On July 21, 2025, Renault Group announced the appointment of Stephane Deblaise as the new Chief Executive Officer for its Indian operations, effective September 1, 2025. This strategic move underscores Renault’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Indian automotive market, a key pillar in the company’s global growth ambitions.
A Seasoned Leader with Global Experience
Stephane Deblaise, aged 52, brings over two decades of experience with Renault Group to his new role. A graduate of Telecom Physique Strasbourg, IFP School, and INSEAD (MBA), Deblaise has held pivotal positions across the globe, including Latin America, China, and South Korea. Since 2022, he has served as CEO of Renault Korea, where he spearheaded transformation initiatives, such as modernizing the Busan plant for multi-energy vehicle production and positioning Renault Korea as a global hub for mid- and large-sized vehicles.
In his new role, Deblaise will report directly to Francois Provost, Renault Group’s Chief of Procurement, Partnerships, and Public Affairs Officer. All Renault Group entities in India will fall under his leadership, tasked with defining and executing the company’s strategy in this dynamic market.
Support from Venkatram Mamillapalle
Venkatram Mamillapalle, the current Managing Director of Renault India Pvt Ltd (RIPL), will continue in his role and support Deblaise on corporate affairs. This collaboration aims to structure Renault’s mid-term growth strategy in India, leveraging Mamillapalle’s deep understanding of the local market to complement Deblaise’s global expertise.
Why This Matters for Renault India
India represents a critical market for Renault, with its growing demand for fuel-efficient and electrified vehicles. Deblaise’s experience in hybrid vehicle development and his success in driving eco-friendly initiatives in Korea position him well to navigate India’s evolving automotive landscape. Renault has faced challenges in India with limited recent launches, but Deblaise’s appointment signals a renewed focus on growth. Industry speculation suggests potential new models, including a refreshed Renault Duster with hybrid or turbo-petrol options, a mid-size hybrid SUV under the Aurora project with Geely, and compact urban electric or hybrid cars targeting budget-conscious buyers.
A Vision for the Future
Deblaise’s leadership is expected to bolster Renault’s competitiveness against rivals like Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, and Tata Motors, who have aggressive hybrid and EV strategies. His track record in emerging markets and tech-driven production upgrades could pave the way for a revitalized product lineup tailored to Indian consumers.
Renault India operates a manufacturing facility in Oragadam, Chennai, with an annual capacity of 480,000 units and maintains a robust network of over 350 sales and 450 service touchpoints. Current models include the Kwid hatchback, Triber MPV, and Kiger SUV. With Deblaise at the helm, Renault aims to capitalize on India’s shift toward cleaner fuels and hybrid powertrains, potentially redefining its market position.
Conclusion
Stephane Deblaise’s appointment as CEO of Renault Group in India marks a pivotal moment for the French automaker. His global expertise, combined with a focus on innovation and sustainability, positions Renault to accelerate its growth in one of the world’s most promising automotive markets. As Deblaise takes charge, Indian car enthusiasts can anticipate exciting developments in Renault’s product offerings and market strategy.
Sources: The Economic Times, The Hindu BusinessLine, News9live, Autocar Professional
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