After Alfa Romeo, Jean-Philippe Imparato is now dedicated to relaunching Maserati: "one of the most beautiful brands in the automotive world".

It was an announcement that took the automotive world by surprise this morning: Jean-Philippe Imparato is no longer Managing Director of Stellantis Europe. The Frenchman, a well-known figure in the group and the Italian brands, will now devote his full attention to the relaunch of the company. Maseratia mission of vital importance for the future of the trident brand.

From Peugeot to Alfa Romeo, a man of relaunches

Imparato has already left his mark on several companies. Managing Director of Peugeot from 2016 to 2021, he successfully steered the repositioning of the brand, between assertive design and a move upmarket. When Stellantis was created, he was entrusted with Alfa Romeo, with a clear objective: to save the brand from a predicted decline.

During his years at the helm of the Biscione, he spearheaded three major projects: the launch of the Tonale (whose release he delayed to perfect), the 33 Stradale, and more recently the B-SUV Junior, the cornerstone of the company's sales strategy. It was also he who declared in 2021: " Alfa Romeo to switch to electric 100 % in 2027 ". A clear-cut position, reflecting the regulatory pressure of the time, even if the context has changed considerably since then.

A brief but intense spell at the helm of Stellantis Europe

The departure of Carlos Tavares at the end of 2024 accelerated Imparato's destiny. Appointed Director of Stellantis Europe, for almost a year he carried out a delicate transition mission, pending the arrival of Antonio Filosa as Group CEO in June 2025. During this period, Imparato is proud to have contributed to the launch of more than 10 models, consolidated the region's competitiveness and asserted Stellantis' leadership in the hybrid segment.

In a message posted on social network X, he confides:
"The past year has been particularly intense. Today marks the end of my tenure as Managing Director of Stellantis for the wider Europe region, and I am deeply grateful for this unique experience... From now on, I will focus on my two greatest passions: the product, with the honor of being CEO of Maserati, one of the finest brands in the automotive world, and sales, as Director of the Stellantis & You distribution network."

Maserati, the last chance relaunch?

Imparato's appointment as CEO of Maserati was made official in June 2025to replace Santo Ficili. A few weeks later, he decided on a sensitive issue: " Maserati 100 % electric? No way! "This marks a strategic shift for the brand, which had lost its footing under Davide Grasso, between excessive price rises, a lack of personalization and a poorly negotiated shift to electric vehicles.

Today, the task ahead is immense. Maserati remains a brand of undeniable prestige, but its offering suffers from a mismatch with the luxury car market. At a time when Porsche is multiplying volumes thanks to an extended range, and Ferrari and Lamborghini are focusing on a limited range with PHEV hybrids, Maserati needs to get back on course.

Ultra-luxury or Porsche-style volume?

The key question is positioning. Should Maserati move towards ultra-luxury, with deliberately limited (and not sudden) production, or adopt a broader, more accessible strategy, at the risk of upsetting its image, as it did from 2013 to 2020, but with the ambition of increasing its volumes? Everything else will depend on this decision: product range, marketing strategy, communication and brand identity.

With his experience of relaunching the company, we hope Jean-Philippe Imparato will be the right man for the job. Maserati needs a clear vision and a coherent strategy if it is to regain the place it deserves in the world of luxury automobiles. One thing's for sure: the next few months will be decisive for the future of the trident brand, and Italpassion will be keeping a close eye on this relaunch.