AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE RISING STARS
Alessandro Grosso,
42
VP sales mainstream and car flow for Italy, Stellantis
What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry?
I joined Fiat Group Automobiles, which is now part of Stellantis, in 2011 as sales and operations planning manager for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) region. I’ve always been interested in Fiat vehicles because my father always drove a Fiat.
Your greatest achievement?
My two beautiful daughters are absolutely my biggest personal achievement. Professionally, I’m most proud of how we dealt with the COVID pandemic as a team. We didn’t have a template to guide us. Despite this challenge, my team and I at Jeep were able to take over leadership in Italy’s ranking of low-emissions vehicles in 2021 and 2022. We also were able to get Jeep into the No. 1 position in terms of market share and sales in the full-electric and plug-in hybrid sectors in Italy and No. 1 in every segment where the brand competes in the country. We used a bold, distinctive social-media-driven approach to accomplish this.
Alessandro Grosso
Born: Belvedere Marittimo, Italy
Nationality: Italian
Languages: Italian, English
Education: Master’s degree in management engineering, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you?
While working as head of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ EMEA fleet I was able to gain access for the company into new sectors, which included consultancy and tech. However, I wasn’t able to achieve access to the pharma segment. I learned that even with dedication, passion, extensive expertise and good leadership you still have to have all your ducks in a row to succeed.
What is your current challenge at work?
My current challenge is to ensure Stellantis maintains leadership in the countries that are most important to the company. That includes delivery volumes, market share (40%) and economic results while also harmonizing the commercial processes with the company’s brands.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
He, who never made a mistake, never made anything.
Career highlights
November 2022 to present: Vice president sales mainstream and car flow Italy, Stellantis, Turin, Italy
2021–2022: Managing director Jeep, Stellantis, Turin
April–December 2020: Alfa Romeo and Jeep country manager, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Turin
February 2018–April 2020: Head of fleet and business in Europe Middle East Africa (EMEA) region, FCA, Turin
April 2017–August 2018: Head of fleet and corporate sales, FCA, Turin
October 2015–February 2018: Fleet and business sales director FCA, Turin
2013–2015: Commercial logistics, supply chain manager, FCA, Turin
2011–2013: Sales planning manager EMEA region, Fiat Group Automobiles, Turin
2010–2011: International senior consultant, Accenture, Dongguan, China
What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry?
You need to be flexible to recognize and overcome the ever-changing challenges you will face during the different phases of your career. You should also be international in your approach to life and work.
What job do you really want to have in the future?
I would like to be head of a major organization (automotive and different industries).
What do you do to relax?
I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and running. I like to compete in marathons.
What is your dream location to live?
I’m already there. It’s Italy.
What is your favorite driving song?
I like the song “The Final Countdown” by Europe.
What was your favorite road trip and why?
Because I love discovering new places, I don’t have just one. However, the road to Calabria is always in my heart.
What was your first car?
A Fiat 127 Sport Edition.
Current car?
I drive a 240-hp Jeep Compass plug-in hybrid.
If you were a car, which one would you be?
I would like to be as multi-faceted as an Alfa Romeo Stelvio.