Nissan Announces Senior Leadership Changes for Sales, Parts & Service

FRANKLIN, TN--April 25, 2011: Nissan today announced that, effective May 1, Richard Latek is named regional vice president, Midwest region, Nissan Sales Division, and Walter Burchfield is appointed director, Business Planning, Parts & Service.

In his new assignment, Latek will report to Al Castignetti, vice president, Nissan Sales Division, Nissan North America, and be responsible for Nissan vehicle sales, customer satisfaction and market presence in a region that covers Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and parts of Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky, West Virginia, Missouri and Pennsylvania. Since joining the company in 1990, Latek has grown his career through assignments in sales and marketing, most recently as director, chief marketing manager for Nissan, with oversight for the brand's Quest, Juke, Sentra, Versa and cube models. He has a bachelor's degree from Ohio University.

Latek succeeds Burchfield, who will oversee future product and program development, strategy, organizational development, along with financial controls, for the company's aftersales business. He will report to John Spoon, vice president, Parts & Service. Burchfield came to Nissan in 2007 after nearly 20 years at General Motors, where his responsibilities included sales and marketing, as well as assignments with the company's captive finance arm, GMAC. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Northwood University in Midland, Mich.

"The selection of Rich and Wally for these roles showcases the strength of our sales and marketing leadership team," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Nissan North America. "Rich's depth of experience, dealer relationships and command of the Nissan brand make him the perfect choice to head our Midwest sales operations, and Wally brings the skills and management capability we need to sustain growth and performance across our U.S. parts business."