YOKOHAMA, Japan – Amidst the dawn of a new electrification era, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today revealed sweeping senior management changes, setting the stage for the forthcoming fiscal year’s implementation of its next midterm plan. With a focus on accelerating electrification initiatives and refining market strategies, these appointments underscore Nissan’s commitment to sustainable long-term growth.
The strategic realignment of the leadership team aims to foster a culture of flexibility, rapid decision-making, and adaptability, vital for navigating evolving market demands and industry trends effectively.
Key to this transformation is the empowerment of each Executive Committee (EC) member with clear designations, streamlining accountability and fostering customer-centric innovations.
Effective April 01, 2024, the following senior management changes will take effect, signaling a new chapter in Nissan’s journey:
Executive Committee:
Asako Hoshino, currently EVP and Chairperson of MC Japan-ASEAN, will assume the role of Chief Brand & Customer Officer (CBCO) and Chairperson of MC Japan-ASEAN, retaining her responsibilities overseeing Brand Champion, Global Marketing and Sales/Customer Experience/Aftersales, Connected Car Service, and Global INFINITI.
Guillaume Cartier, Jeremie Papin, and Shohei Yamazaki will retain their titles of Management Committee Chairperson (MCC) for AMIEO, Americas, and China, respectively, maintaining their current areas of responsibility.
Ivan Espinosa, currently SVP for Global Product Planning & Global Program Management, will be designated Chief Planning Officer (CPLO), expanding his purview to include Corporate Ml.
Kunio Nakaguro, currently EVP of R&D, will be titled Chief Technology Officer (CTO), continuing his oversight of research and development initiatives.
Hideyuki Sakamoto, currently EVP of Manufacturing and SCM, Purchasing, will take on the role of Chief Monozukuri Officer (CMZO), expanding his responsibilities to include Affiliate Companies.
Mitsuro Antoku, currently CVP of Product Development Division No. 3 and President and CEO of NMKV Co., Ltd., will be appointed EC member and Chief Quality Officer (COO), tasked with ensuring Total Customer Satisfaction. A successor for Antoku’s role at NMKV will be appointed shortly.
Stephen Ma will continue as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), retaining oversight of Finance, Control, M&A, Tax & Customs, Investor Relations, Global IS/IT, and Partnership Operations & Performance.
Hideaki Watanabe, currently SVP of Corporate Strategy, New Mobility, and Corporate Governance, will be designated Chief Strategy & Corporate Affairs Officer (CSAO), with an expanded portfolio covering Business Development, Sustainability, External Affairs, and Corporate Partnership Development.
Toru Ihara, currently SVP and Chief HR Officer, Global HR, will continue as Chief HR Officer (CHRO), with an added responsibility of Compliance.
Corporate Officers:
In China, Isao Sekiguchi will be promoted to CVP, managing director of Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFN), reporting to Shohei Yamazaki.
In Research & Development, Kazuyuki Yamaguchi will transition to CVP, Product Development No.1, while Tatsuzo Tomita will be promoted to CVP, Product Development No.2. Additionally, Tetsuo Sasaki and Shunichi Inamijima will assume new roles within the R&D division.
Within Corporate Functions, Takahiko Ikushima will be promoted to SVP, retaining his responsibilities in Global Controller and Regions’ Performance Control. Yutaka Sanada will expand his scope to include Business Development, alongside his current role in Corporate Strategy.
Lavanya Wadgaonkar will be promoted to CVP, Global Communications, while Sadayuki Hamaguchi will transition to Fellow, Corporate Affairs.
In Manufacturing, Mineyuki Saotome, Toshio Takehara, and Eiji Iguchi will assume new leadership roles within Nissan’s manufacturing plants, signifying a renewed focus on operational excellence.
Retirements:
Shunichi Toyomasu, Michael Colleran, Eiji Kikuchi, and Takuji Hisamatsu will retire, marking the end of their distinguished careers with Nissan.
As Nissan embarks on this new phase of transformation, these strategic appointments reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction in the electrified automotive landscape.
