YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled a significant restructuring of its senior management, signaling a renewed focus on achieving both immediate and long-term strategic goals. This leadership overhaul is designed to propel the company into a new era of growth, all while upholding the legacy represented by the globally recognized Nissan logo.
Effective April 1st, the board of directors has officially endorsed the appointment of Ivan Espinosa, the current chief planning officer, as the representative executive officer, president, and CEO. Espinosa succeeds Makoto Uchida, stepping into this pivotal role to guide Nissan forward.
Executive Committee Revamp
In a parallel move to reinforce its strategic direction, Nissan is announcing substantial changes within its Executive Committee, all reporting directly to Espinosa starting April 1st. This revamped committee is poised to drive performance and innovation, ensuring the Nissan logo continues to represent cutting-edge automotive excellence.
Guillaume Cartier, currently serving as chief performance officer and chairperson of the Management Committee for AMIEO, will see his responsibilities expand to encompass global marketing and customer experience. This broadened role emphasizes the importance of brand consistency and customer engagement, key elements in reinforcing the Nissan logo’s positive perception worldwide.
Eiichi Akashi, the current corporate vice president (CVP) of the Vehicle Planning and Vehicle Component Engineering Division, will ascend to the position of chief technology officer and executive officer. Akashi succeeds Kunio Nakaguro and will be instrumental in driving technological advancements that will shape the future of Nissan vehicles and, by extension, the brand symbolized by the Nissan logo.
Teiji Hirata, presently CVP of Vehicle Production Engineering and Development Division, is set to become chief monozukuri officer and executive officer. Taking over from Hideyuki Sakamoto, Hirata will oversee Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, ensuring the quality and efficiency behind every vehicle that proudly bears the Nissan logo.
Jeremie Papin, continuing in his role as chief financial officer, has also been appointed as executive officer, highlighting the financial stability crucial for Nissan’s ambitious plans and the continued strength of the Nissan brand and logo.
Stephen Ma, chairperson of the Management Committee for China; Mitsuro Antoku, chief quality officer; and Toru Ihara, chief HR officer will maintain their current positions, providing continuity and expertise across key global regions and functions vital to the Nissan brand.
Uchida and Sakamoto will continue to serve as directors until the annual general meeting of shareholders planned for June, ensuring a smooth transition and handover of responsibilities.
Strategic Management Appointments
Shohei Yamazaki, chairperson of the Management Committee for Japan-ASEAN, will take on an expanded role that includes oversight of affiliate companies. This broader responsibility underscores Nissan’s commitment to growth in key markets and maintaining the Nissan logo’s prominence in these regions.
Christian Meunier, chairperson of the Management Committee for the Americas, will remain in his current position, continuing to lead Nissan’s operations in a crucial market where the Nissan logo enjoys significant brand recognition.
Tatsuzo Tomita, currently the CVP of Product Development No. 2, will succeed Akashi’s R&D responsibilities. Tomita will also assume the additional role of chief of Total Delivered Cost (TdC) Transformation, reporting to Espinosa. This strategic focus on efficiency and innovation is aimed at enhancing Nissan’s competitiveness and the value associated with the Nissan logo.
Manabu Sakane, currently CVP of Purchasing, will become chief of Strategy Acceleration, reporting to Espinosa. Sakane’s new role is indicative of Nissan’s drive to expedite its strategic initiatives, ensuring the Nissan logo remains synonymous with forward momentum and industry leadership.
Executive Transitions
Alongside Nakaguro, Sakamoto, and Uchida, several other executives will be stepping down from their current roles on March 31st as part of this management restructuring.
Asako Hoshino, Chief Brand & Customer Officer
Hideaki Watanabe, Chief Strategy & Corporate Affairs Officer
This comprehensive leadership transition at Nissan marks a pivotal moment for the company. With a refreshed executive team, Nissan is strategically positioned to navigate the evolving automotive landscape, drive innovation, and reinforce the enduring appeal of the Nissan logo as a symbol of quality, reliability, and forward-thinking mobility solutions. The changes signal a commitment to not just meeting current challenges but also to shaping a successful future for the brand and its iconic representation, the Nissan logo.
Alt text: The Nissan logo, a silver emblem with the Nissan name prominently displayed, representing the global automotive manufacturer.
