Nov 17 (Reuters) - French automaker Renault

has appointed Josep Maria Recasens as chief strategy officer, it

said on Monday, looking to simplify decision-making as the

company contends with growing competition from Chinese rivals.

Recasens takes on the new role in addition to remaining head

of Renault's Iberian Peninsula operation and its Ampere electric

vehicle business.

"Since my arrival, I have focused on implementing a simpler,

more effective and faster organisation to adapt to the current

challenges," Renault Chief Executive Francois Provost said in a

statement.

Recasens replaces Guido Haak with immediate effect, the

company said.