Carmaker Stellantis has embarked on what industry executives expect to be a lengthy and deeply challenging effort to replace star chief executive Carlos Tavares after a sudden reversal in the fortunes of the company that builds the Peugeot, Fiat and Jeep brands.

Stellantis said on Monday it has begun a search for a candidate to succeed CEO Carlos Tavares, whose contract is set to expire in 2026.

Struggling Jeep and Ram maker Stellantis is looking for a CEO to succeed Carlos Tavares, but the company says it’s just part of a normal leadership succession plan.

Italian automaker Stellantis NV is reportedly looking for a new Chief Executive Officer to replace Carlos Tavares.

Stellantis has initiated a search for a successor to CEO Carlos Tavares, Bloomberg News reported on Monday citing people familiar with the matter. Tavares has been under pressure to correct the automaker's struggling North American operations,

The company's chair is increasingly dissatisfied with the situation in North America, where sales have have slowed and several executives left.

Pressure on Tavares is rising due to Stellantis' poor performance in markets including the U.S., its biggest single profit pool.

Stellantis chairman John Elkann has grown frustrated at the company’s performance in North America. Despite mounting criticism, CEO Carlos Tavares may remain in his role, with his contract running until 2026.