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The Man Who Was Worth 85 Billion Euros

This page is translated from the original post "L’homme qui valait 85 Milliards d’euros" in French.

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Homme François Provost Renault

A discreet man but well-versed in the complex equations of the automotive industry, François Provost is a numbers strategist at the helm of Renault

Renault changes its key player but not its course. With the appointment of François Provost as general director, the diamond-group hands over the reins of its future to a numbers man, methodical and suited for major financial balances. Succeeding Luca de Meo, of whom he was one of the closest lieutenants, Provost inherits a clear mission: to continue and secure the group’s transformation in an increasingly uncertain economic context.

His greatest strength? A perfect command of major industrial and budgetary flows. Since 2023, François Provost has been leading the procurement of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, one of the most strategic positions within the entire group. He managed a colossal budget estimated at over 85 billion euros, distributed across 25 countries and overseen by nearly 4,000 employees. From steel to lithium, from dashboard screens to embedded software, nothing escaped his vigilance. In a sector facing raw material inflation, a price war launched by Chinese manufacturers, and decarbonization challenges, this experience is invaluable.

A man of numbers and strategies

A skilled negotiator, Provost has managed to forge crucial partnerships with giants like Google, Geely, and Aramco, while preserving Renault’s technological independence. Unlike his predecessor Luca de Meo, a man of communication as well as strategy, he stands out for his technical profile and sober, even austere style. But it is precisely this seriousness that should reassure markets and shareholders. His priority will be to maintain the group’s financial balance, improve margins (a target of 10% by 2030), and consolidate the capital structure.

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He will also need to orchestrate the continuation of the Futurama plan, with at least 15 new product launches in emerging markets by 2027, develop the young entity Ampère dedicated to electric vehicles, and strengthen Renault’s international presence. All these challenges will require financial rigor to make a difference.

Discreet yet impressively structured, François Provost is the guarantor of a controlled transition. Renault is now banking on an experienced manager to harmonize electrification, profitability, and stability.

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