Nissan Motor Co. is continuing to shake up its global leadership as part of an overall effort to quickly turn around the financially struggling automaker, according to a Sept. 18 press release.
Massimiliano (Max) Messina, vice chairperson and SVP, chief finance, administration and strategy, for Nissan’s Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region (AMIEO), was appointed chairperson, management committee for AMIEO Region effective Oct. 1. Messina will report to Guillaume Cartier, chief performance officer, and will be based in Paris, per the release.
Messina’s appointment is among several senior management changes effective Oct. 1 meant to “sharpen organizational focus, and foster a culture of empowerment and accountability,” according to the company. The moves also clarify leadership functions and reinforce regional autonomy to create a more agile and aligned organization that is better equipped to deliver on its strategic priorities and accelerate Nissan’s recovery plan, the automaker said.
Victorino (Vito) Esnaola, division general manager, region control, marketing and sales control, and free cash flow, was named SVP, finance and information technology, AMIEO. Esnaola will report to Messina and will be based in Paris.
Nissan is also reorganizing its global finance team “to drive efficiency, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and empower teams with clearer accountability.” Those appointments include:
- George Leondis, corporate executive, was appointed performance control, M&A and partnerships and lead competitive cost champion.
- Roberto Delgado, VP, global internal audit office, was appointed corporate executive, central controller revenue and cost. He will oversee region and function controller activities, and revenue and corporate operating profit, reporting to Leondis.
- Takeshi Mashiko, general manager, Japan internal audit office, will succeed Delgado as global internal audit officer.
- Takahiko Ikushima, corporate executive, was appointed global controller and tax. Leondis and Ikushima will both report to CFO Jeremie Papin.
Nissan said its global marketability unit will be integrated into product planning to support competitor evaluation. Leadership changes include:
- Craig Croot, VP, global marketability department, will transition to Nissan Motorsports and Customizing Co. as SVP, corporate strategy, partnership and transformation, reporting to Yutaka Sanada, CEO of NMC.
- Hirofumi Sawada, division general manager, global marketability department, will succeed Croot as head of the department. Sawada will report to Richard Candler, VP, product strategy and product planning division.
Nissan has shuffled its leadership over the past several months following several management missteps that included a failed merger with Honda Motor Co. The company ousted several top executives in March and has turned to new leaders to direct its turnaround.
