Nicușor Dan appoints Cornel Olendraru, former Dacia director and Renault vice president, as presidential adviser

Romania’s President, Nicușor Dan, signed a decree on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, appointing Cornel Olendraru as presidential adviser. Olendraru is 46 years old and is an executive with experience in the automotive industry.

Cornel Olendraru held leadership positions within the Renault Group, including that of vice president. He is currently the Renault Group’s vice president for Manufacturing and Logistics in the Eurasia region, which also includes Romania. Previously, he was director of Dacia.

The new presidential adviser has a technical and engineering background, international experience, and managerial responsibilities that included coordinating up to 25,000 employees. His appointment brings to Cotroceni Palace a specialist with experience in production, logistics, and industrial management.

On the same day, Nicușor Dan signed a decree releasing Valentin-Sorin Costreie, at his request, from the position of presidential adviser. He is set to become Minister of Education in the Luca Niculescu Government.

Also on Tuesday, the president recalled Sebastian-Dănuț Neculăescu from his position as Romania’s ambassador to NATO. Neculăescu will take over as Minister of Foreign Affairs.