Nissan Unveils New Leadership Team Amid Turnaround Actions

​Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has announced significant leadership appointments, effective January 1, 2025, as part of its broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and resilience. These changes align with the company’s recently announced turnaround plan, aimed at streamlining operations and positioning Nissan to adapt more effectively to dynamic market conditions.

Key among the restructuring efforts is the appointment of a chief performance officer (CPO), effective December 1, 2024. This move precedes a comprehensive management overhaul scheduled for April 2025, which will establish a leaner and flatter organizational structure, enabling the company to respond swiftly to shifting business landscapes.

Leadership Changes

Stephen Ma, currently serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been appointed Chairperson of the Management Committee for China. Reporting to CEO Makoto Uchida, Ma will leverage his extensive expertise in the Chinese market and global leadership experience to refine the company’s strategy in the region. His efforts will focus on strengthening local operations and ensuring Nissan’s competitive edge in one of the world’s most significant automotive markets.

Taking over as CFO is Jeremie Papin, who currently chairs the Management Committee for the Americas. Papin brings a wealth of experience in finance, strategy, and business development from his tenure at Nissan and the Alliance. With over a decade of experience in investment banking specializing in the automotive sector, he is well-positioned to oversee Nissan’s financial performance and long-term fiscal health. He will report directly to CEO Uchida.

Joining the leadership team is Christian Meunier, who has been named Chairperson of the Management Committee for the Americas. Meunier, previously the CEO of Jeep and a member of Stellantis’ Executive Committee, returns to Nissan with a rich background in marketing and sales. In his prior roles at Nissan, he held leadership positions across the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and the global INFINITI brand. Meunier will report to CPO Guillaume Cartier.

Asako Hoshino, Nissan’s Chief Brand & Customer Officer (CBCO) and Chairperson of the Management Committee for Japan/ASEAN, will retire from her regional operational role but will remain focused on enhancing customer experience and brand value as CBCO. Her contributions will continue to play a critical role in strengthening Nissan’s market presence.

Shohei Yamazaki, currently Chairperson of the Management Committee for China, will succeed Hoshino as Chairperson of the Management Committee for Japan/ASEAN. Yamazaki’s extensive experience in the competitive Chinese market will provide valuable insights as he works to reinforce Nissan’s position in Japan and the ASEAN region. He will report to CPO Cartier.

CEO's Take On the Changes

Nissan President and CEO Makoto Uchida emphasized the importance of the leadership transitions, stating:

“These leadership appointments will bring the necessary experience and urgency to the countermeasures we are taking to get the company back on track. With the support of our leadership team, we will carefully execute our turnaround actions to secure sustainable profits while focusing on future growth.”

A Strategic Shift Towards Growth

These changes reflect Nissan’s commitment to restoring profitability and preparing for sustained growth amid a challenging global automotive landscape. By aligning its management structure with its strategic priorities, the company is poised to adapt rapidly and deliver value to stakeholders worldwide.

With additional management changes planned for April 2025, Nissan aims to create a robust, agile organization capable of navigating future challenges while maintaining a strong focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

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