On the Dash:
- Supplier relations and purchasing discipline directly impact vehicle availability, incentives and production stability
- Leadership changes suggest Stellantis is prioritizing cost control and quality amid ongoing supply chain volatility
- Improved supplier performance could support stronger margins and more predictable inventory flow for dealers
Stellantis has appointed former General Motors executive Marcelo Conti to lead purchasing and supplier quality for North America, the company confirmed Tuesday, as the automaker continues efforts to strengthen supplier relations and navigate ongoing supply chain complexity.
Conti will assume the role Feb. 23, replacing Marlo Vitous, who is transitioning to lead global indirect material purchasing for the transatlantic automaker.
The leadership change comes at a pivotal time for automotive supply chains. Purchasing operations have grown increasingly complex in recent years amid pandemic disruptions, semiconductor shortages, and tariff pressures. Stellantis has also faced challenges in supplier relationship surveys, where weaker rankings can translate into higher costs and quality concerns.
Conti brings more than 30 years of purchasing leadership experience across the automotive and aerospace industries. Before joining Stellantis, he led purchasing for interior, exterior, and thermal systems at General Motors. His prior experience includes leadership roles at Rolls-Royce and Delphi.
Vitous, who began her career in Chrysler LLC’s supply chain operations before the company’s 2009 bankruptcy, will now support Stellantis’ previously announced $13 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing. In her new role, she is expected to focus on operational efficiency and strengthening supplier partnerships globally.
In a statement, Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson said the appointments “strengthen Stellantis’ global execution and further reinforce the company’s ability to execute with speed, discipline, customer focus, and quality.”
