Auto manufacturer Renault names Chief Financial Officer as Temporary Executive Leader
Duncan Minto, a British executive with a long-standing career at Renault, has been appointed as the interim CEO of the French automotive giant. Minto, born in 1975 and educated at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, has been with Renault since 1997.
Minto began his career with Renault in the UK before moving to France to work in the finance department, where he was responsible for investor relations. Over the years, Minto climbed the ranks, holding positions such as Finance Director at Renault-Nissan Portugal (2006), Managing Director of Renault Ireland (2012), and CFO of the Asia-Pacific region for Renault Group (2013).
In 2022, Minto was appointed as the CFO of Renault subsidiary Dacia, and in March of this year, he was named the group's CFO. Now, in July 2025, Minto has taken on an even more significant role as the interim CEO, following the departure of Luca de Meo.
De Meo, who stepped down to become the CEO of the parent company of the fashion brand Gucci, ended his tenure at Renault in June. During his time as CEO, Renault was losing money, but under Minto's leadership, the company's fortunes have been turning around.
Jean-Dominique Senard, the chairman of the group, will hold this position during the interim period at Renault. The company is currently looking for a permanent replacement for de Meo, and Minto will ensure the day-to-day management of the company alongside Senard.
It is important to note that Carlos Ghosn, a former executive at Renault, is currently living in Lebanon as a fugitive from Japanese law amid allegations of fraudulent behavior. However, Minto's leadership and financial expertise have been credited with turning Renault's fortunes around after Ghosn's departure.
Minto was also named the CFO of the Alpine brand in 2023, and his tenure as interim CEO is for an unspecified period. As Minto takes on this new role, he will undoubtedly continue to demonstrate his financial acumen and leadership skills as Renault moves forward.
[1] Renault Appoints Duncan Minto as CFO (Renault Press Release, March 1, 2025) [2] Renault Names Duncan Minto Interim CEO (The Financial Times, July 1, 2025) [3] Luca de Meo Steps Down as CEO of Renault (The Guardian, June 30, 2025) [4] Kering Appoints Luca de Meo as CEO (Kering Press Release, July 1, 2025)
- As Finance Chief Officer (CFO) of Renault, Duncan Minto's expertise in the finance department of the industry will be crucial in his new role as interim CEO.
- Despite the challenges faced by Renault in the business sector, Minto's financial background and leadership skills have been crucial in turning the company's fortune around.
