Iveco Group Powertrain Chief Departs for Manitou, Internal Candidate Takes Helm
Event summary
- Sylvain Blaise, President of Iveco Group’s Powertrain Business Unit (FPT), is leaving on June 29, 2026, to become CEO of Manitou Group.
- Simone Curti, currently leading Truck Business Unit commercial operations in EMEA, will succeed Blaise as President of Powertrain on June 30, 2026.
- Blaise held the FPT leadership role since its creation within Iveco Group in 2022.
- Curti joined Iveco Group in 2004 and has held roles across the Truck and Powertrain Business Units.
The big picture
The departure of Sylvain Blaise, a key figure in Iveco Group’s powertrain division, highlights the ongoing churn in automotive leadership as companies navigate the transition to electric and alternative fuel technologies. His move to Manitou Group, a competitor, suggests a potential talent war within the industrial sector. The appointment of Simone Curti, while an internal promotion, represents a shift in focus towards commercial execution rather than technological innovation, potentially impacting Iveco Group’s long-term R&D strategy.
What we're watching
- Succession Risk
- The transition's smoothness will depend on Curti’s ability to rapidly integrate into the Powertrain business and maintain the innovation momentum established under Blaise, particularly given FPT’s role in Iveco Group’s broader sustainability strategy.
- Competitive Landscape
- Blaise’s move to Manitou Group introduces a potential competitive dynamic, as his expertise in powertrain technology could benefit a direct competitor of Iveco Group.
- Integration Challenges
- Curti’s experience is primarily in commercial operations; the pace at which he adapts to a leadership role focused on engineering and technology development will be a key indicator of the transition’s success.
