John Elkann: The Power Broker Steering Industry in 2025

John Elkann is not a household name in Australia, but the impact of his leadership reaches our shores in more ways than most realise. As the chair of Stellantis (the parent of Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën, Jeep, and more), Ferrari, and the holding company Exor, Elkann has become a central figure in global business. In 2025, as the world’s economies navigate electrification, climate policy, and shifting investment paradigms, Elkann’s decisions are shaping the trajectory of sectors that matter deeply to Australians—from automotive to agribusiness, and even media.

From Agnelli Heir to Boardroom Architect

Elkann’s story is inseparable from the Agnelli dynasty, Italy’s answer to the Murdochs in terms of industrial clout. Groomed from a young age to inherit the reins, Elkann took on increasing responsibility after the death of his grandfather, Gianni Agnelli, in 2003. By 2025, he’s not just preserving a legacy—he’s redefining it.

• Stellantis: Under Elkann, Stellantis has accelerated its EV strategy, rolling out more than 30 electrified models in 2025, including affordable options aimed at the Australian market. The company’s investments in battery plants across Europe and North America have reshaped global supply chains, with implications for Australian lithium and rare earth exporters.

• Ferrari: As chair, Elkann has overseen Ferrari’s push into electrification without sacrificing its luxury cachet. The 2025 Ferrari EV, with a waitlist stretching into 2027, is both a status symbol and a tech showcase.

• Exor: Through Exor, Elkann manages a portfolio that spans insurance (PartnerRe), media (The Economist), and startups in mobility and agri-tech. In 2025, Exor announced a joint venture with an Australian agri-tech firm focused on drought-resistant crops—a move reflecting Elkann’s knack for anticipating global trends.

2025: Policy, Technology, and Australia’s Place in Elkann’s World

Elkann’s influence is amplified by his ability to navigate policy shifts. In 2025, with the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism in full swing and Australia debating its own EV incentives, Stellantis’s strategy is a blueprint for adapting to regulatory complexity. Australian consumers are already seeing more Stellantis brands on the road, thanks to targeted imports and new right-hand-drive models.

• EV Policy Alignment: Stellantis is working with Australian state governments on charging infrastructure, leveraging its European expertise. Queensland’s 2025 incentives for low-emissions vehicles have made Jeep’s new hybrid SUV a top seller.

• Resource Security: As global battery production ramps up, Elkann’s companies are negotiating directly with Australian miners to secure cobalt and lithium, further entwining our economy with his corporate empire.

• Media & Influence: With Exor’s stake in The Economist and new investments in digital newsrooms, Elkann is also shaping how business news is reported and consumed, including in Australia.

Leadership Style: Pragmatic, Global, and Unflashy

Elkann is known for his reserved, analytical approach—a stark contrast to flashier industry peers. He rarely seeks headlines, preferring to build long-term value and strategic alliances. His leadership is marked by:

• Succession Planning: Elkann has restructured Exor’s governance to ensure continuity and resilience, a lesson from the family’s tumultuous history.

• Investment Discipline: In 2025, Exor’s portfolio outperformed European benchmarks, thanks to timely exits from legacy insurance assets and bold bets on AI-driven manufacturing.

• Social Responsibility: Elkann’s quiet advocacy for sustainable business has influenced industry peers, with Stellantis and Ferrari both committing to net zero emissions by 2038—ahead of most rivals.

What’s Next for Australians?

For Australians, John Elkann’s moves are more than distant boardroom dramas. They shape the cars on our roads, the direction of our resource exports, and even the news on our screens. As the world’s industrial landscape shifts in 2025, Elkann’s strategy offers lessons in patience, adaptability, and the power of global perspective. His influence is a reminder that in an interconnected economy, leadership decisions in Turin, London, or New York can have ripple effects across Sydney and Perth.