Former Renault Sport legal chief accuses Luca de Meo of prioritising personal image over Alpine F1 crisis, Ampere delays and real leadership.
The departure of Luca de Meo, former CEO of Renault Group, is making waves in the automotive industry. But it’s also sparking commentary among people connected to the brand. That’s the case for Pierre Chauty, former legal director of Renault Sport, including Renault F1. According to him, the Italian is crafting a narrative around himself to avoid justifying a negative exit.
“Luca de Meo is leaving Renault for Kering. A ‘historic transition’, we are told – the bold crossover of two industries, from automobiles to fashion,” writes Pierre Chauty. “Let’s be honest: this is not historic. This is Meo’s playbook. This is not leadership. This is personal brand image.”
“Once again, he is stepping down just before the real consequences of his decisions begin to unfold. Alpine F1 is in complete disarray, the Viry-Châtillon engine program is being dismantled, and Ampere – his much-vaunted electric vehicle spin-off – is stuck in uncertainty.”
“And above all, the new strategic plan is still not finalized… But never mind: a new playing field awaits, and the narrative is already in place. Yes, Renault’s financial results have significantly improved. Margins are up and cost-cutting has met expectations.”
“But a real leader does not leave when the first figures turn green – a real leader stays to ensure the structure holds, the people endure, and the vision leads to lasting impact.”
Pierre Chauty laments the way some media outlets are fueling this savior narrative, whereas in his view, de Meo merely waited to show profits before exiting: “Yet most of the media keeps repeating the same storyline. ‘Visionary move’, ‘bold crossover’.”
“As if moving from one high-profile role to another were a sign of intelligence, rather than a refusal to stay the course. Fortunately, a few voices are speaking up. For Marianne, Mr. de Meo is the symbol of a new kind of CEO, one who ‘arrives, cashes in and walks away’. That’s not just a pointed comment, it’s an accurate summary.”