Nissan Names Simon Sproule as New Corporate Communications V.P.

    TORRANCE, Calif.--May 22, 2003--Nissan North America, Inc. today announced the appointment of Simon Sproule to vice president, corporate communications, effective June 9. Sproule, a 12-year auto-industry veteran, will oversee all corporate communications activities for Nissan's North American operations.
    "The appointment of Simon Sproule is part of our ongoing strategy to strengthen Nissan's North American management team," said Jim Morton, senior vice president, administration and finance, NNA. "Simon's expertise and experience will complement our current structure while bringing a fresh perspective and insight into this important role."
    Sproule will head the NNA communications staff based in Los Angeles and report directly to Morton. Along with directing all aspects of the communications function, his responsibilities will include interaction with, and advice to, senior NNA and subsidiary management, including liaison with the parent company, Nissan Motor Company. A key responsibility will be to provide product communications support to the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Nissan's operations in the United States.
    Prior to joining Nissan, Sproule held a variety of positions with Ford, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover in North America and Europe. Since August 2001, Sproule served as the vice president, Communications and Corporate Affairs for Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover North America. Previous to that, Sproule was the vice president, Communications and Corporate Affairs for Jaguar from January 2000 to August 2001 and served as the manager, Communications, Truck Vehicle Center Public Affairs for Ford Automotive Operations in Detroit from March 1998 to January 2000. He also held several communications positions with Ford of Britain and Europe from 1990 - 1998.
    A graduate of King's College at the University of London, Sproule holds a bachelor's degree in Geography. Sproule currently resides in Southern California.
    Nissan's North American operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.