RENNES, France -- PSA/Peugeot-Citroen named Xavier Peugeot as product planning chief of its Citroen brand. He moves to the role from head of product planning for the Peugeot brand.
Laurent Blanchet has taken over Xavier Peugeot's role as the head of product planning for the Peugeot brand. He was previously manager of the Peugeot range of cars. Blanchet, 47, reports to Peugeot CEO Maxime Picat.
Xavier Peugeot, 50, is tasked with helping Citroen to achieve a coherent and unique product range worldwide that distinguishes the brand from Peugeot and rivals, a PSA spokesman told Automotive News Europe. He reports to Citroen CEO Linda Jackson.
“Xavier Peugeot has successfully built the brand for Peugeot for more than two years, but we now need him to successfully executive Citroen’s product strategy,” the spokesman said.
After taking charge of Peugeot’s product range in 2010 reporting to Xavier Peugeot, Blanchet had a hands-on role in the successful marketing of the Peugeot 308, European Car of the Year, and the 2008, the spokesman said.
“Like Xavier Peugeot was before him, Blanchet will be in charge of Peugeot models beginning in the development phase and will oversee their launches,” the spokesman said.
At Citroen, Xavier Peugeot, a Peugeot family member, replaces Thomas d’Haussy, who “is taking up other functions within the group.” PSA said.
Xavier Peugeot joined PSA in 1994 and has since held a number of positions in sales and marketing at the French carmaker.
He was director of Peugeot Netherlands from 2005 until 2007 and director of marketing and communications for Peugeot from 2009 until 2011 before becoming director of product planning in 2012.
Blanchet jointed PSA in 1993. Since then, he has held several marketing and sales positions abroad, mainly in Spain and Latin America, until becoming manager of the Peugeot range in 2010.
