Starting July 14, Renault Brazil will have a new president: the engineer from Córdoba, Ariel Montenegro. He will take over the position, replacing Ricardo Gondo, who is retiring from the company after an extensive career. Montenegro, 39 years old, will take the reins of a key subsidiary for the automaker's strategy in Latin America.
The appointment takes place in a context of significant changes within the Renault Group, with recent departures in regional and global positions. Montenegro will report directly to Fabrice Cambolive, the current global CEO of the brand. His appointment reinforces the technical and management profile that the company seeks to consolidate in competitive markets.
The Córdoba native arrives with a rising career within the company and proven experience in executive leadership. His time in Colombia positioned him as a benchmark in export strategy and industrial plant leadership. Now, he will face the challenge of leading the Brazilian operation, one of the most important outside Europe.
El cordobés llega con una trayectoria ascendente dentro de la firma
From Santa Isabel to the world: technical training and rising from the ground up
Montenegro was born in 1986 in Córdoba capital and began his training at the Instituto Técnico Renault. He later graduated as a mechanical engineer from the local UTN.From the beginning, he combined his studies with work at the Santa Isabel plant.
He joined as an intern at 18 years old and grew professionally within the Córdoba manufacturing complex. He held positions in logistics, finance, and production, until becoming a manager in 2015. His personal story reflects a close connection with the industry, from his student years to his consolidation as an executive.
During thirteen years at Renault Argentina, he gained key experience in operational areas and in supplier relations. He also led improvement processes in the supply chain and industrial efficiency. His first car was a Renault 12, restored by himself to study and work at the same time.
Durante trece años en Renault Argentina adquirió experiencia clave en diferentes áreas
Colombia, France, and Brazil: a career with international projection
In 2018, he moved to Curitiba as executive secretary for the Americas and then went to France, the automaker's headquarters. There, he coordinated the commercial executive committee and supported the development of the global strategic plan. In 2020, he was appointed chief of staff to the global CEO and liaison among key vice presidencies.
In 2022, he assumed the presidency of Renault-Sofasa in Colombia, where he boosted the subsidiary's export strategy. Under his management, shipments to Mexico resumed and leadership was maintained in a highly competitive market. Forbes recognized him as one of the country's most innovative executives for his strategic approach.
He will be replaced by Juan Camilo Vélez starting July 1; meanwhile, he will move to Brazil to take up his new position. The appointment confirms the group's confidence in his technical and management profile. Montenegro now faces the challenge of strengthening Renault's presence in the largest South American market.
