OREANDA-NEWS. June 23, 2016. Nissan today announced a series of senior management appointments in North America intended to support the company's growth and global performance during the final year of the 'Power 88' mid-term business plan.

In fiscal year 2016, Nissan North America (NNA) will launch 14 new or significantly refreshed cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs to meet growing customer demand. With market share rising in the U.S. in eight of the last nine years, these new vehicles will assist with attracting new and retaining loyal Nissan customers.

"These leadership appointments in key business functions will ensure Nissan is well positioned to accelerate our growth, especially with new and exciting products like TITAN and Armada," said Jos? Mu?oz, executive vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) and chairman, NNA.

All changes are effective July 1, 2016, unless otherwise noted:

Corporate Communications

David Reuter, vice president, Corporate Communications, NA, is named vice president, Global Communications Operations, NML. In this newly created role, Reuter will oversee Nissan's regional communications teams and coordinate their alignment with global headquarters to support the transformation of the communications function into a more cohesive, aligned and strategic function. Reuter will report to Jonathan Adashek, chief communications officer, NML. He will be based in Franklin.

Kristina Adamski, director, Group Communications, is promoted to vice president, Corporate Communications, NA, replacing Reuter. In this role, she will be responsible for leading Nissan's communications function across the North America region and providing strategic counsel and support to the company's senior leadership. Adamski will report directly to Mu?oz and be based in Franklin.

Nissan Sales & Marketing and Infiniti Americas

Michael Colleran, regional vice president, Nissan Northeast, is promoted to vice president, Nissan Northeast Region. Colleran maintains oversight for regional sales, marketing, contest & incentive spending, distribution, aftersales, dealer network development and financial controls for Nissan Division in the U.S. Northeast Region. He reports to Christian Meunier, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations, NNA and chairman, Nissan Canada. Colleran is based in Somerset, N.J.

Effective Sept. 1, Mike Hobson, director, Customer Quality and Customer Resource Center, is retiring after 25 years with the company. Hobson joined Nissan in 1991 and, through his career, he has held various managerial roles in sales & marketing both at headquarters and in the regions. Hobson played an instrumental role in the launch of Nissan Commercial Vehicles in the U.S. and most recently led the customer quality and call center teams to achieving improved responsiveness to out-of-warranty product issues and higher standards of overall service resulting in increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. 

Nat Mason, director, Infiniti Aftersales, is named director, Customer Quality and Customer Resource Center, replacing Hobson. Mason will report to Dave Mazur, vice president, Customer Quality and Chief Customer Officer. In his new role, Nat will be responsible for further improving responsiveness to customer issues and supporting the drive to improve Nissan's overall opinion. He will be based in Franklin.

Andrew Speaker, director, Nissan Electric Vehicle (EV) Marketing and Sales Strategy, is named director, Infiniti Aftersales, replacing Mason. Speaker will report to Claudia M?rquez, senior director, Sales Operations, Infiniti U.S.A. He will be based in Franklin.

Brian Maragno, senior manager, Dealer Network Development, is promoted to director, EV Marketing and Sales Strategy, replacing Speaker. In his new role, Maragno will lead U.S. sales and marketing activities for Nissan LEAF, the best-selling electric car in history. Maragno will report to Dan Mohnke, vice president, Chief Marketing Manager (CMM) and Marketing Operations, U.S. and Judy Wheeler, vice president, Sales, Nissan Division U.S. He will be based in Franklin.

Purchasing

Chandra Vasser, currently director, Purchasing – Sales & Marketing, Information Technology and Energy, is named director and9 controller, Purchasing Finance. She will be based in Franklin and report to Michelle Baron, senior director, Monozukuri Finance, North America. Vasser is replacing Steve Hope, who was previously announced as the chief financial officer for Nissan Australia.

Robert Kinchen, senior manager, Purchasing, is promoted to director, Purchasing – Sales & Marketing, Information Technology and Energy, replacing Vasser. Kinchen will report to Gary Zoller, senior director, Vehicle Purchasing, Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organization (RNPO). He will be based in Franklin.

Nissan Canada, Inc. (NCI)

Ken Hearn, regional general manager, NCI, is promoted to director, Dealer Network Development, NCI. Hearn fills the role previously held by Vincent Boerhof, who, in April, moved to the role of general manager, Global Dealer Network Power. In this position, Hearn will report to Joni Paiva, president, NCI. He will be based in Mississauga, Ontario.

About Nissan North America 
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan Motor Co. 
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.