The Stellantis board of directors has unanimously selected Antonio Filosa as its new chief executive officer. The automotive company's announcement on Wednesday cited a search process involving internal and external candidates.

The announcement ends a months-long search that began in December when Carlos Tavares suddenly departed the company.

Stellantis NV appointed its Americas head Antonio Filosa as chief executive officer, relying on an experienced company insider to turn around the automaker after former boss Carlos Tavares was forced out over slumping sales and profit.