Chéreau’s career is deeply rooted in Human Resources, a function increasingly recognized as central to the success of global enterprises. His professional journey showcases a blend of headquarters strategic roles and hands-on operational experience across diverse divisions within the automotive sector. These divisions span Research & Development, manufacturing plants, and crucial support functions. Notably, he also spent three years directly managing prototype development, gaining unique insights into the product creation process.
His long tenure with Groupe PSA, beginning in 1994, provided a robust foundation for his current Stellantis role. Early positions included Employment & Mobility Manager for Europe, demonstrating an early focus on workforce strategy at a continental scale. He then transitioned to Social Relations Manager at the significant Poissy plant in France, tackling labor relations at a plant level, before becoming Head of Social Innovation and Management Institute, indicating a forward-thinking approach to HR.
Ascending through the ranks, Chéreau’s responsibilities expanded. In 2006, he became Vice President, Director of Human Resources and Social Relations for the Trémery and powertrain facilities, managing HR for critical engine and transmission production. By 2009, he was Senior Vice President, Industrial and R&D Division Human Resources, overseeing talent management in key innovation and production areas. Adding to his operational scope, in 2010 he took on responsibility for Engineering testing resources within R&D. Between 2014 and 2015, he served as Director of Human Resources Development, Talents and Top Management, directly influencing the career paths of Stellantis’s future leaders.
A significant promotion in 2015 saw Chéreau appointed Executive Vice President of Human Resources for Groupe PSA, joining the Global Executive Committee. This marked his entry into top-level management, influencing company-wide decisions. In 2018, his portfolio broadened further to Director of Human Resources and Transformation, encompassing Digital, IT, and Real Estate departments, reflecting the increasing integration of technology and infrastructure with HR strategy. By 2020, Compliance and Audit were added to his responsibilities, highlighting the critical importance of corporate governance and ethical operations within his wide-ranging role.
Chéreau’s academic background complements his practical experience. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economic Management and a Master’s degree in Human Resources (Employment Management & Corporate Social Development) from the prestigious ‘Institut Sciences Politiques de Paris’, France, his education provided a strong theoretical framework for his career.
Updated as of February 2025, Xavier Chéreau’s career exemplifies the path of a modern automotive executive. While the spotlight often shines on the Stellantis CEO, the strength of the company relies on the expertise and leadership of executives like Xavier Chéreau. His journey offers valuable lessons in the importance of deep functional expertise, broad operational experience, and continuous adaptation within the dynamic automotive industry. For aspiring leaders aiming for top positions, including the CEO role, understanding the diverse experiences and strategic contributions of figures like Xavier Chéreau is crucial.
