Infiniti Strengthens European Communications Team

ROLLE, SWITZERLAND – Jun 9, 2010: Infiniti, the luxury automotive brand from Japan, is strengthening its European communications function as it prepares to grow its sales following a successful 18 months during which it launched across 16 European markets.

The first appointment is a new Communications Officer for the UK. Lisa Barnard joins the team from today with responsibilities that include new-model launches and the UK Press and VIP fleet – at a time when Infiniti is striking out into new market segments with the all-new M Line luxury performance saloon and diesel versions of the EX and FX crossovers, as well as opening another three Infiniti Centres in the UK before the end of 2010.

Reporting to Infiniti Communications Director Wayne Bruce, Lisa will play a key role in ensuring the fast-building Infiniti story is efficiently communicated to media professionals.

“Lisa will be a much prettier face than me for journalists in the UK for all day-to-day enquiries about Infiniti,” Wayne Bruce said. “Apart from being delighted at welcoming back an old friend, I am really pleased to be able to strengthen the communications team at this crucial time in the brand’s European development. I hope Lisa hasn’t booked any holiday any time soon…”

Well known to many UK journalists already, Lisa Barnard – formerly Yates – joins Infiniti with experience of managing the press fleets of companies such as Volkswagen and as PR Executive for Hyundai UK. She later joined Nissan GB in 2003 as a press officer, further establishing herself with British journalists. Lisa has been off the motoring radar since 2004 when she left to start a family. Since then she has had her hands full with sons George, now five, Henry, three, not to mention husband Tom, age undisclosed.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back into the motor industry, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones," Lisa said. “And I'm thrilled to be joining Infiniti at what is going to be a very exciting time.” You can reach Lisa on: 07580 162235or by email, Lisa.Barnard@infiniti.eu.

The central European team of Wayne has also been strengthened with another key addition, Jörn Riccius, who has joined from Infiniti Europe’s marketing team as Communications Manager for planning, fleet and events. He is supported by Marie Vallée Communications Co-ordinator. Nathalie Greve, Communications Manager, retains responsibility for global PR coordination as well as internal messaging. Finally Communications Manager, Gabriella de Paolis now coordinates Infiniti’s communications within Infiniti’s smaller European markets. Wayne Bruce reports to Jim Wright, Vice President Infiniti Europe and Middle East.

Infiniti is also pleased to announce the appointment of the London-based independent agency, Sidhu & Simon Communications. Managed by Lifestyle Communications Director, Claude Hugot, who reports to Wayne Bruce, Sidhu & Simon will execute non-automotive and lifestyle media campaigns.

Each of Infiniti Europe’s market also has its own Communications support, and for the UK it is Wayne at the helm, ably assisted by Lisa. A full list of country contacts is available from the Infiniti Europe section of www.infinitipress.eu and at the bottom of the release.