This week’s digest spotlights five executive moves that reflect shifting priorities across automotive, advertising, consumer goods, financial services, and manufacturing sectors. You’ll discover why Renault opted for an internal promotion to guide its new strategic plan, how WPP is breaking barriers with its first female CEO, and what P&G’s choice of a global brand veteran signals for its future. We also cover S&P Global’s mission-driven leadership appointment and Harley-Davidson’s next step toward innovation under a new chief.
Each leadership decision underscores how boards are balancing continuity, diversity, and transformation amid competitive pressures and market headwinds. Dive in to learn the strategic implications and takeaways you can apply to your own governance and succession planning.
Renault Appoints François Provost as CEO
Renault promoted Chief Procurement Officer François Provost to CEO effective July 31, 2025, succeeding Luca de Meo who moved on to lead Kering. Provost’s deep understanding of Renault’s operations, infrastructure, and alliances with partners such as Geely and Aramco informed the Board’s decision. Facing a recent profit warning driven by weak European demand and margin pressure, Renault has launched a new strategic plan that Provost will help shape. His internal promotion signals confidence in continuity and operational expertise during uncertain times in the automotive industry.
Source: Reuters
WPP Names Cindy Rose as New CEO
WPP announced Cindy Rose will take the helm as CEO on September 1, 2025, becoming the first woman to lead a global advertising holding company. A veteran of Microsoft and Disney, Rose joined WPP’s board in 2019 and steered complex media and technology integrations. She steps into the role amid profit warnings and industry disruption, with a mandate to accelerate AI adoption, digital transformation, and global operations. Her appointment reflects WPP’s focus on reclaiming client trust and modernizing its service model.
Source: Business Insider
P&G to Appoint Shailesh Jejurikar as CEO in 2026
Procter & Gamble announced that Shailesh Jejurikar will succeed Jon Moeller as CEO on January 1, 2026. Since joining P&G in 1989, Jejurikar has led brand and regional teams across Asia, Africa, and North America, most recently overseeing Fabric Care and Enterprise Markets. He will be only the second CEO in P&G’s 187-year history to be born outside the United States. His deep brand expertise and international experience align with the company’s emphasis on leadership continuity and global growth.
Source: Chief Executives Council
S&P Global Names Bill Eager to Lead Mobility Spin-Off
S&P Global has appointed Bill Eager, CEO of CARFAX, as President of its Mobility unit and CEO of the planned standalone vehicle-data spin-off, effective August 15, 2025. Eager grew CARFAX into a market leader with double-digit growth, digital-first strategies, and AI-powered insights. In his new role he will prepare S&P Global Mobility for an independent public listing, build its data-platform infrastructure, and expand partnerships across automotive OEMs, insurers, and fleet operators. This move underscores S&P’s commitment to leadership with deep domain expertise ahead of the separation process.
Source: S&P Global
Harley-Davidson to Install Arthur Starrs as CEO
Harley-Davidson appointed Arthur Starrs as CEO effective October 1, 2025. Starrs joins from Topgolf International and Pizza Hut under Yum! Brands, bringing expertise in consumer engagement and global brand management. He succeeds Jochen Zeitz, who retires after overseeing a major strategic overhaul. The Board expects Starrs to build on Zeitz’s turnaround efforts amid soft motorcycle demand and to lead innovation in mobility, lifestyle branding, and electrified offerings.
Source: Investing.com
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