Appointments
Renault names CFO Duncan Minto interim CEO
CFO Duncan Minto to oversee operations of Renault S.A. as interim CEO while search for permanent chief continues.
Renault Group has appointed Duncan Minto as the interim chief executive officer of Renault S.A., the flagship entity within the French automotive conglomerate, as the company begins its formal search for a permanent CEO. The decision was announced by the Board of Directors of Renault Group, with the appointment effective immediately.
Minto, who currently serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Renault Group, will take on CEO responsibilities on an interim basis, overseeing day-to-day operations alongside Jean-Dominique Senard, who will continue in his role as Chairman of Renault S.A.S., the Group’s core operating company.
The appointment is intended to provide operational continuity and financial stability during a critical period of leadership transition. Renault confirmed that the Governance and Remuneration Committee of the Board is actively leading the selection process for a permanent CEO. No timeline has been publicly shared for the conclusion of that process.
A Seasoned Renault Insider
Born in 1975 and a graduate of the University of St Andrews in Scotland, Duncan Minto is a long-standing executive within the Renault ecosystem, bringing nearly three decades of experience to the interim CEO role.
Minto joined Renault Group’s UK operations in 1997, before transitioning to France in 2001 to join the finance department, where he led investor relations. Over the years, he has held several senior positions across geographies and business units within the company.
In 2006, Minto was named Finance Director of Renault-Nissan Portugal, followed by a stint as Managing Director of Renault Ireland in 2012. His international assignments continued with his appointment as CFO for the Asia-Pacific region in 2013, a role that marked his growing importance in the Group’s global operations.
By 2017, he was promoted to Vice President of Finance, Group Control Analysis, and went on to become CFO of Dacia in 2022 and then CFO of the Alpine brand in 2023. Earlier this year, on 1 March 2025, Minto was appointed as CFO of Renault Group and joined the company’s global leadership team.
A Pivotal Moment for Renault
The leadership change comes at a time when Renault, like many global automakers, is navigating a complex mix of industry challenges—from shifting consumer preferences and electrification demands to technological transformation and evolving global trade dynamics.
With Minto’s deep familiarity with the Group’s financial operations and multi-market experience, his interim appointment is seen as a stabilising move during a crucial phase. The decision to elevate a seasoned internal candidate reflects the company’s desire for continuity and internal alignment, especially in light of ongoing strategic priorities and financial performance targets.
Board Endorses Transition Plan
In its official communication, Renault Group’s Board of Directors expressed confidence in Minto’s ability to provide steady leadership during the transition period. The Board noted that Minto will “ensure the day-to-day management of the company” until a permanent CEO is appointed. Jean-Dominique Senard, who continues as Chairman, will support this interim leadership arrangement while overseeing broader governance.
The company reiterated that the search for the next CEO of Renault S.A. is already underway and being managed by the Board’s Governance and Remuneration Committee, suggesting a structured and rigorous process is in place.
While Renault has not commented publicly on potential candidates or the criteria being applied, analysts say the Group is likely to seek a leader capable of steering its electrification strategy, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening global competitiveness.
Renault Group has appointed Duncan Minto as the interim chief executive officer of Renault S.A., the flagship entity within the French automotive conglomerate, as the company begins its formal search for a permanent CEO. The decision was announced by the Board of Directors of Renault Group, with the appointment effective immediately.
Minto, who currently serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Renault Group, will take on CEO responsibilities on an interim basis, overseeing day-to-day operations alongside Jean-Dominique Senard, who will continue in his role as Chairman of Renault S.A.S., the Group’s core operating company.
The appointment is intended to provide operational continuity and financial stability during a critical period of leadership transition. Renault confirmed that the Governance and Remuneration Committee of the Board is actively leading the selection process for a permanent CEO. No timeline has been publicly shared for the conclusion of that process.
A Seasoned Renault Insider
Born in 1975 and a graduate of the University of St Andrews in Scotland, Duncan Minto is a long-standing executive within the Renault ecosystem, bringing nearly three decades of experience to the interim CEO role.
Minto joined Renault Group’s UK operations in 1997, before transitioning to France in 2001 to join the finance department, where he led investor relations. Over the years, he has held several senior positions across geographies and business units within the company.
In 2006, Minto was named Finance Director of Renault-Nissan Portugal, followed by a stint as Managing Director of Renault Ireland in 2012. His international assignments continued with his appointment as CFO for the Asia-Pacific region in 2013, a role that marked his growing importance in the Group’s global operations.
By 2017, he was promoted to Vice President of Finance, Group Control Analysis, and went on to become CFO of Dacia in 2022 and then CFO of the Alpine brand in 2023. Earlier this year, on 1 March 2025, Minto was appointed as CFO of Renault Group and joined the company’s global leadership team.
A Pivotal Moment for Renault
The leadership change comes at a time when Renault, like many global automakers, is navigating a complex mix of industry challenges—from shifting consumer preferences and electrification demands to technological transformation and evolving global trade dynamics.
With Minto’s deep familiarity with the Group’s financial operations and multi-market experience, his interim appointment is seen as a stabilising move during a crucial phase. The decision to elevate a seasoned internal candidate reflects the company’s desire for continuity and internal alignment, especially in light of ongoing strategic priorities and financial performance targets.
Board Endorses Transition Plan
In its official communication, Renault Group’s Board of Directors expressed confidence in Minto’s ability to provide steady leadership during the transition period. The Board noted that Minto will “ensure the day-to-day management of the company” until a permanent CEO is appointed. Jean-Dominique Senard, who continues as Chairman, will support this interim leadership arrangement while overseeing broader governance.
The company reiterated that the search for the next CEO of Renault S.A. is already underway and being managed by the Board’s Governance and Remuneration Committee, suggesting a structured and rigorous process is in place.
While Renault has not commented publicly on potential candidates or the criteria being applied, analysts say the Group is likely to seek a leader capable of steering its electrification strategy, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening global competitiveness.
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