French automaker Renault Group has announced the appointment of Stephane Deblaise as the Chief Executive Officer of its Indian operations, effective September 1, 2025. The move comes as part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets.
A New Era for Renault India
Stephane Deblaise will take over leadership from Venkatram Mamillapalle, who will now focus on supporting corporate affairs and long-term growth initiatives. Deblaise will be responsible for defining and executing Renault’s strategic vision across India and will oversee all entities under the Renault Group within the country.
He will report directly to Francois Provost, the Group’s Chief of Procurement, Partnerships & Public Affairs. The leadership change reflects Renault’s commitment to enhancing operational agility and market responsiveness in India.
Global Experience with a Local Focus
Stephane Deblaise, 52, is a seasoned automotive leader with more than two decades of experience at Renault Group. A graduate of Telecom Physique Strasbourg and IFP School, he also holds an MBA from INSEAD.
Deblaise has held multiple leadership roles across key international markets, including:
- Chief Vehicle Engineer for the Entry Program in Latin America
- Vice President of Product Planning at Dongfeng-Renault in China
- Program Director for compact and mid-size vehicles globally
- Most recently, CEO of Renault Korea, where he successfully transformed the Busan plant into a development and production hub for multi-energy vehicles
His deep understanding of emerging markets and multi-energy vehicle platforms makes him well-suited to lead Renault India into its next growth phase.
India: A Strategic Growth Market for Renault
India remains one of the most strategic markets for Renault outside Europe. The country plays a key role in the company’s Renaulution transformation strategy, which focuses on electrification, cost efficiency, and localized innovation.
Renault’s manufacturing facility in Oragadam, near Chennai, has a production capacity of 480,000 vehicles annually. The brand also operates an extensive network of over 800 sales and service touchpoints across the country. With Deblaise at the helm, Renault is expected to accelerate the rollout of new products, including electric and hybrid offerings tailored to the Indian market.
Renault’s Upcoming India Plans
Under its new leadership, Renault India is gearing up for a significant product offensive. The company has already outlined plans to launch up to five new models by April 2027. These may include refreshed versions of bestsellers like the Duster, Triber, and Kiger, alongside a potential new electric vehicle developed for India.
Deblaise’s appointment comes at a critical juncture as Renault looks to revive its brand presence in the subcontinent. His experience with multi-energy platforms and strategic partnerships is expected to play a central role in adapting the company’s global innovations for local needs.
Conclusion
The appointment of Stephane Deblaise as CEO of Renault India signals a bold new chapter in the brand’s India story. With his vast global experience, focus on electrification, and proven ability to transform operations, Deblaise is expected to spearhead Renault’s efforts to reclaim market share and drive innovation in the Indian automotive space.
Photo Credit: NDTV Auto
