Symbio, the French hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, announced on July 9, 2025, the appointment of Jean-Baptiste Lucas, former CEO of electrolyser maker McPhy Energy, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Lucas succeeds Philippe Rosier, who had led Symbio since 2020 and whose departure was a joint decision with the company's board, citing an "evolving strategic landscape" necessitating a leadership transition. This strategic shift underscores Symbio's commitment to accelerating its market position in the rapidly expanding zero-emission mobility sector.

The change in leadership comes at a pivotal time for Symbio, a joint venture initially formed by Faurecia and Michelin, which saw Stellantis acquire a 33.3% stake in July 2023. Symbio has established itself as a key player in providing hydrogen fuel cell systems for light commercial vehicles, with its technology already integrated into PSA Group's hydrogen fleet. The company holds ambitious targets, aiming to produce 200,000 fuel cell units annually by 2030, a significant scale-up from current capacities, and notably became Europe’s first IATF 16949 certified fuel cell supplier in January 2023, demonstrating its commitment to automotive industry quality standards.

Jean-Baptiste Lucas brings a wealth of experience from the hydrogen sector, having previously steered McPhy Energy, a company known for its electrolyser technologies. His background in hydrogen production equipment complements Symbio's focus on fuel cell integration, potentially fostering a more holistic approach to hydrogen value chain development within the company. This appointment is expected to reinforce Symbio's industrialization roadmap and its strategic partnerships, particularly with Stellantis, as the automotive giant pushes for broader adoption of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles.

The leadership transition reflects the dynamic nature of the clean energy industry, where companies must adapt swiftly to technological advancements and market demands. Symbio’s strategic decision to bring in a leader with deep experience across the hydrogen value chain signals a renewed focus on scaling production and solidifying its position as a leading supplier of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty and commercial applications. As global efforts intensify to decarbonize transportation, Symbio's ability to meet its ambitious production targets and innovate its fuel cell technology will be crucial for its growth and for the broader adoption of hydrogen mobility solutions in Europe and beyond.