Renault SA is under pressure to quickly find a replacement for Chief Executive Officer Luca de Meo after the shock news of his planned departure, as the industry grapples with rising trade tensions and intense competition from Chinese manufacturers led by BYD Co.

Renault Chief Executive Luca de Meo plans to step down in mid-July and pursue new challenges outside the automotive industry, with French newspaper Le Figaro reporting he is set to become the new boss of Gucci-owner Kering.

Luca de Meo's departure from Renault likely to cause near-term uncertainty as analysts debate whether it will impact its growth strategy and make investors cautious.

The head of Renault’s budget brand Dacia, Denis Le Vot, is a frontrunner to become chief executive at the French carmaker, following the shock announcement of Luca de Meo’s exit for luxury group Kering.

PARIS (Reuters) -Shares in Kering rose in early trading on Monday while stocks in Renault fell after reports the French carmaker's CEO Luca de Meo was poised to become the new chief executive of the luxury goods maker.