SANDEEP BHAMBRA APPOINTED HEAD OF DESIGN FOR THE CITROËN AND DS AUTOMOBILES BRANDS

• Effective 2 November, 2026, Sandeep Bhambra will lead Design for the Citroën and DS Automobiles brands.
•  He will report to Gilles Vidal, Head of Design for Stellantis’ European brands, and join the management teams of both Citroën and DS Automobiles, under the leadership of Xavier Chardon, CEO of both brands.
• Thierry Metroz will support Gilles Vidal with the Design strategy in Europe.

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 & Vauxhall, succeeding Mark Adams, who is retiring. Thierry Metroz will support Gilles Vidal on Design strategy for Europe.

“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.” 

Xavier Chardon, CEO of Citroën and DS Automobiles

“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 leading Design at Opel.

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.”

Gilles Vidal, Head of Design, Stellantis European Brands

About Sandeep Bhambra

A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pune, India, and holder of a Master’s degree in Transportation Design from Strate, France, Sandeep Bhambra began his career in the automotive industry in 2003 at Mahindra & Mahindra in India. He subsequently pursued his career in Design, notably at Tata Technologies and Tata Motors, in India and the United Kingdom.

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 

PRESS CONTACTS

Krystyna Perry – Head of PR DS Automobiles UK krystyna.perry@stellantis.com 07710 062 783  

Manesh Taank – PR Manager DS Automobiles UK manesh.taank@stellantis.com 07841 569 038  

ABOUT DS AUTOMOBILES

Founded in Paris in 2014, DS Automobiles is a premium brand aiming to embody the French art of travel. Thanks to an exceptional heritage, exemplified by the 1955 DS and enriched by the wealth of French expertise, DS Automobiles offers a global and diverse range with DS 3, N° 4, N°7 and N°8.

Designed for clients seeking something different, who want to travel the world and enjoy every moment, DS creations stand out through their charismatic style, interior refinement, sophisticated technology and first-class comfort. Combined with a suite of bespoke services, they offer a unique brand experience before, during and after each journey.

With numerous records in Formula E between 2015 and 2026, including two double teams’ and drivers’ titles, DS Automobiles is at the forefront of electrification and sells each of its models in an electrified version. The brand offers 100% electric drivetrains as well as self-charging and plug-in hybrids with up to 350 horsepower and 4-wheel drive. In 2025, DS Automobiles is accelerating its transition to electric by launching N°4 with up to 279 miles of range, N°7 with up to 459 miles of range and N°8, the new DS flagship providing up to 466 miles of range.

Present in nearly 40 countries, the DS brand has an exclusive distribution network that includes 420 DS STORES around the world.

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