Nissan’s David Johnson named 2021 Automotive News Rising Star

NASHVILLE, Tenn. August 23, 2021 – David Johnson, vice president, Production Engineering and New Model Quality, Nissan, U.S. has been named a 2021 Automotive News Rising Star.

In his current role, Johnson is responsible for ensuring the highest level of vehicle quality possible at the maximum output in all of Nissan's U.S. and Mexican manufacturing operations.

"This award is not about my achievements but the achievements of the incredibly passionate team I am humbled to work side by side with every day,” said Johnson. “What this team has accomplished with our new model programs during an unprecedented time in the industry is unmatched.”

Over the past 18 months, Johnson has led the launches of the all-new Rogue, Pathfinder and Frontier. With these launches, among others, Nissan now has one of the freshest lineups in the industry.

“David is a dynamic leader who empowers his team by providing purpose, direction and motivation,” said Steve Marsh, senior vice president, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, Nissan North America. “I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and am confident he’ll continue to play a critical leadership role in our manufacturing operations.”

The Automotive News “Rising Stars: Automakers and Suppliers” program honors U.S.-based auto executives, under the age of 45, on the manufacturing and supply side of the auto industry who have the talent and dedication necessary to become industry leaders of tomorrow. Automotive News has published the list of the industry’s up and comers annually since 2014. This year’s honorees come from 25 companies and a variety of disciplines — from executive management to purchasing, engineering, mobility and design. 

Read Johnson’s interview in Automotive News here.