SANDEEP BHAMBRA APPOINTED HEAD OF DESIGN FOR CITROËN AND DS AUTOMOBILES

• Sandeep Bhambra appointed Head of Design for Citroën and DS Automobiles, effective 2^nd November 2026
• Thierry Metroz will support Gilles Vidal with the Design strategy in Europe

Citroën announces the appointment of Sandeep Bhambra as Head of Design for Citroën and DS Automobiles. He will report to Gilles Vidal, Head of Design for Stellantis’ European brands. Bhambra also joins the management teams of both Citroën and DS Automobiles, under the leadership of Xavier Chardon, CEO of both brands.

Sandeep Bhambra takes over responsibility for the design of Citroën and DS Automobiles, succeeding Pierre Leclercq and Thierry Metroz respectively. Pierre Leclercq takes over as Head of Design for Opel and Vauxhall, succeeding Mark Adams, who is retiring. Thierry Metroz will support Gilles Vidal on Design strategy for Europe.

Xavier Chardon, CEO, Citroën and DS Automobiles, said: “The arrival of Sandeep Bhambra marks a new step in our ambition to strengthen the identity and appeal of our brands. His experience, creativity and vision of design will be valuable assets in supporting Citroën and DS Automobiles in expressing strong and distinctive identities, true to their heritage while firmly looking to the future.

I would also like to thank Pierre Leclercq for his work and contribution to Citroën. His talent and vision have helped shape several key projects and reinforce the brand’s distinctive character. I wish him every success in his new role at Opel and Vauxhall.”

Gilles Vidal, Head of Design, Stellantis European Brands, said: “I am particularly pleased to entrust Sandeep with the responsibility for the design of Citroën and DS Automobiles. His background, combining creativity, strong product expertise and a strategic vision of design, will be a major asset in supporting the ambitions and transformation of both brands.

I would also like to warmly thank Pierre Leclercq for his commitment and contribution to the development of Citroën design and wish him every success in his new role as Head of Design at Opel and Vauxhall.

Finally, I would like to thank Thierry Metroz for his talent, passion and contribution to DS Automobiles Design. His experience and vision will be invaluable in his new role.” 

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Sandeep Bhambra began his career in the automotive industry in 2003 at Mahindra and Mahindra, India. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pune, India and achieved a Masters degrees in Transportation Design from Strate, France. Sandeep Bhambra pursued his career in design, notably at Tata Technologies and Tata motors in India and the UK.

In 2010, he joined Peugeot Design in Vélizy as an Exterior Designer. Over more than ten years, he contributed to the development of numerous production vehicles, concept cars and Advanced Design projects, including the second-generation Peugeot 2008 and 5008, the Onyx concept, upstream development work for the third-generation 3008, as well as the Citroën Ami.

In 2021, he joined Renault Group as Chief Designer, Advanced Design & Concept Cars. He contributed to defining Renault’s Design strategy and led numerous concept car and Advanced Design projects, including Scénic Vision, Emblème, R17 Ora Ito, Estafette Concept, Twingo 4, Filante Record 2025, Bridger, R-Space Lab and the R5 Turbo 3E limited-series project. In 2025, he took responsibility for the Renault India Design Studio, while retaining his role as Chief Designer, Advanced Design & Concept Cars.

His work has received several awards, including a Red Dot Design Award for the Peugeot 2008 in 2020, as well as multiple awards for the Peugeot Onyx concept, the Renault R5 Turbo 3E and Twingo 4.

Since April 2026, Sandeep Bhambra has been Vice President Design Strategy Europe at Stellantis.

ENDS

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About Citroën

Since 1919, Citroën has been creating automobiles, technologies, and mobility solutions to respond to changes in society. A brand of boldness and innovation, Citroën places peace of mind and well-being at the heart of its customer experience, and offers a wide range of models, from the distinctive Ami, an electric mobility object designed for the city, to saloons, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, most of which are available in electric or rechargeable hybrid versions. A pioneer brand in the services and attention paid to its private and professional customers, Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world.