French automaker Renault has appointed François Provost, its Chief Procurement Officer, as CEO effective July 31, choosing an experienced procurement leader to navigate growing competition and market challenges.

The appointment highlights procurement’s strategic importance in the automotive industry, with Renault citing Provost’s “strong international experience in both operational and strategic roles, an in-depth understanding of the sector’s challenges, and a strategic vision” as key qualifications for leading the company forward.

Provost takes the helm during a critical period for Renault, which recently issued a profit warning due to weaker-than-expected volumes and cut its full-year margin forecast. The company has stepped up cost-cutting measures while promising improvement in the second half of the year.

The move demonstrates how procurement expertise – particularly in supply chain management, cost optimization, and strategic sourcing – has become essential leadership experience for automotive executives facing industry transformation and market volatility.

This appointment reinforces the evolution of procurement from a support function to a strategic driver of business performance, with CPOs increasingly positioned for broader executive leadership roles.