Nissan relies on fresh wind in the leadership ranks

The Japanese automotive giant Nissan Motor is presenting a significant reorganization of its executive team to lead the company through a crucial year. The new appointments are a central component of the recently approved turnaround plan, aimed at increased efficiency and resilience, following a significant drop in financial performance in the second quarter of the current fiscal year. In December, Nissan introduced Guillaume Cartier as the new Chief Performance Officer. This appointment marks the beginning of further structural changes in the coming year, aimed at a flatter, more agile organizational structure. Stephen Ma, the company's current Chief Financial Officer, will chair the Management Committee for China from the next fiscal year and report directly to CEO Makoto Uchida. His task is to shape the future strategy for this important region and improve local performance. Jeremie Papin, previously head of the Management Committee for the Americas, will assume the position of Chief Financial Officer. Papin has extensive experience in finance, strategy, and business development, having worked in investment banking with a focus on the automotive industry for over a decade. Christian Meunier will succeed Papin as head of the Management Committee for the Americas and will report directly to the CPO. With his extensive experience in sales and marketing, including as CEO of Jeep and a member of the board at Stellantis, Meunier will provide new impetus. In the Asia-Pacific region, changes are also taking place: Shohei Yamazaki will assume responsibility as chairman of the Management Committee for Japan and the ASEAN region, having previously held the role in China. Hoshino is stepping down from her executive role for Japan and ASEAN but will remain active as Chief Brand & Customer Officer, focusing extensively on brand strengthening and customer experience. Nissan's CEO Makoto Uchida expressed optimism: 'These leadership changes bring the necessary experience and urgency to implement the countermeasures taken and get the company back on track. With our leadership team, we will carefully implement our restructuring measures to secure sustainable profits while also focusing on future growth.'