Nissan Focuses On Future; Restructures U.S. Sales and Marketing Senior Management Team
20 February 1998
Nissan Focuses On Future; Restructures U.S. Sales and Marketing Senior Management Team
TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 20 -- To strengthen its competitive
position in the U.S. automotive marketplace, Nissan today announced a major
restructuring of senior management at its U.S. sales and marketing company,
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. (NMC), effective March 2, and the retirement
of three executives.
"When I became president of NMC, one of my stated goals was to create
greater synergy among the marketing, manufacturing and finance operations of
the organization," said Minoru Nakamura, president and CEO of NMC. "The
creation of a new management team reflects the first step in accomplishing
this goal. By rotating our executives through the sister companies, I hope to
greater align the organizations to achieve common objectives and maximize the
considerable human resources of the Nissan group."
Michael Seergy, currently regional vice president of Nissan's Northeast
region, will be promoted to vice president, general manager of the Nissan
Division. He replaces Tom Eastwood, a 16-year veteran of Nissan. Eastwood
held numerous positions with the company during his tenure, including
director, business planning, and regional general manager for Nissan
Division's North Central, Northeast and Northwest regions. He was vice
president and general manager for the Infiniti Division and subsequently ran
both divisions. In his most recent position Eastwood was responsible for
providing strategic direction and planning for Nissan's dealers and its
national and field sales organizations.
Katsumi Ishii, currently vice president, finance, at Nissan Motor
Acceptance Corporation (NMAC) will transfer to NMC, as vice president,
finance, replacing Stephen Welsh. Welsh joined Nissan in 1993 in his current
position with direct responsibilities including financial planning, audit,
information services and controller functions within the company.
Additionally, Yasuro Osawa, vice president, financial planning and accounting,
will transfer from NMC to NMAC to become vice president, finance, replacing
Ishii.
Howard J. "Bucky" Kahl, director of human resources at Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation, the manufacturing operation in Smyrna, Tennessee,
will be promoted to vice president, human resources and organization
development, replacing Ronald Hannum. Hannum joined Nissan in 1981 and held
senior-level positions in the parts and service, operations, marketing and
human resources departments. He was named to his current position in 1996.
Eastwood, Welsh and Hannum will retire from the company.
In addition, Jerry Florence, vice president, communications and strategic
development, will become president of the Nissan Foundation. Florence's
position will be eliminated and his responsibilities will be transferred to
other departments within the company.
"Jerry has been an enthusiastic and committed member of the Nissan
Foundation Board from its early days and a tireless worker in the community,"
said Nakamura. As President of the Foundation, Jerry will be able to further
develop and strengthen the Foundation, and devote his considerable energy to
credibly and knowledgeably represent Nissan while continuing to build our
image in the community."
Along with new officers, Seergy, Kahl and Ishii, the management team also
will include Tom Orbe, vice president, general manager of the Infiniti
division; Tony Kageyama, vice president, operations coordination; Brad
Bradshaw, vice president, marketing; and Roger Jolicoeur, vice president,
customer service. Their responsibilities do not change.
Commenting on these changes, Nakamura said, "This fiscal year has been a
challenging one for Nissan in the U.S. To accomplish our objectives of
increased volume and market share, we have set aggressive plans to chart a new
course for the future. We feel we can best realize these plans if the company
is headed by a new management team. We'll get back to the basics to develop a
strong core business and focus on the future.
"This team will have a good foundation upon which to build. In fiscal
year '98, we will have the full impact of our new Altima and Frontier sales,
and will be introducing three new models -- the four-door Quest, the Frontier
V-6 and the Infiniti G20. And the horizon is bright, as we're looking forward
to four new vehicles next year.
"To meet the challenges of a very tough and extremely competitive
marketplace, we need to set a new course for the company. I am confident the
appointment of this talented and dedicated team will lead us to success."
Nissan Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (NMC) is the sales and marketing
subsidiary of Nissan North America, Inc. In North America, Nissan's
operations include styling, engineering, manufacturing, sales, consumer and
corporate finance and industrial and textile equipment. Nissan in North
America employs more than 22,000 people in the United States, Canada and
Mexico, and generates nearly 75,000 jobs through its more than 1,500 Nissan
and Infiniti dealerships across the continent.
SOURCE Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A.