Mr Mesonero (53) will join Alfa’s design team based in Turin in July. He will replace Daniele Calonaci who will continue to lead Jeep design for Stellantis in Europe.

In his new role at Alfa, Mr Mesonero has been tasked with helping to reverse the declining fortunes of the company.

Mr Mesonero quit as head of design at Renault-owned Dacia earlier this month after just six months in the post. He had been recruited to Renault by CEO Luca de Meo.

He had worked under Mr de Meo at Seat, owned by Volkswagen Group, and has been with the Spanish car-maker for 10 years.

He was responsible for the design of the new Seat Ateca, Arona and Tarraco and new-generation versions of the Ibiza and Leon. He has also worked for Renault Samsung Design in South Korea.

He joins Alfa as the company prepares two new models for production: the Tonale compact crossover (expected to be launched in early 2022) and the smaller crossover, the Brennero, expected one year later.

Alfa Romeo now makes only two models, the Stelvio mid-size crossover and the Giulia mid-size sedan.

Alfa Romeo has also appointed Larry Dominique as senior vice-president for North America with responsibility for sales and marketing strategic operations for the US, Canada and Mexico.

He was previously president and CEO of PSA in North America and has held senior executive roles with Nissan, Chrysler and General Motors.

Larry Dominique

By Neil Dowling