Nissan Announces Senior Leadership Changes In Americas Region

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FRANKLIN, TN--March 11, 2011: Nissan today announced senior leadership changes for its Sales & Marketing, Communications and Purchasing organizations in the Americas region. �All changes are effective April 1.

Sales & Marketing and Communications

Billy Hayes , 35, currently director, Market Representation & Strategy, is named director, Customer & Sales Satisfaction. He will be responsible for the Nissan and Infiniti brands achieving top-level sales and customer service satisfaction. Since joining Nissan in 2004, Hayes has held positions of increasing responsibility in market representation, dealer operations, customer satisfaction and human resources. He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from Bates College as well as a bachelor's degree in engineering and a master's in business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

David Kershaw , 45, currently senior manager, Market Representation Strategy, is named director, Market Representation, succeeding Hayes. He will be responsible for furthering Nissan's sales and service penetration throughout Nissan's U.S. dealer network. Kershaw joined Nissan in 1992 as a regional marketing specialist in Nissan's central regional office and, since then, he has held management positions in sales and dealer operations. �He holds a bachelor's degree from Ohio University.

Erich Marx, 47, currently director, Nissan Marketing Communications, is named director, Social Media & Interactive Marketing, with responsibility for Nissan's social media activities and online presence. During his 20-year Nissan career, Marx has held management positions in marketing operations, brand management, market intelligence and marketing communications. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Occidental College and a master's in business from the University of Michigan.

Bill Peffer, 40,currently director, Nissan Marketing Operations, will succeed Marx as director, Nissan Marketing Communications and will oversee advertising and lifestyle campaigns for Nissan brand in the U.S. Peffer joined Nissan in 2006 and has held management roles in C&I, regional marketing, marketing communications and market development. He holds a bachelor's degree in advertising from Michigan State University as well as a master's degree in business from Duke University.

Purchasing

Gary Zoller , 53, currently senior manager, Purchasing, is named director, Powertrain Purchasing. He succeeds Rebecca Vest, who was recently named vice president, Purchasing, Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organization, and will be responsible for all Powertrain purchasing and program management activities for Nissan Americas. Zoller joined Nissan in 1995 and has held domestic and overseas management assignments in Purchasing. He holds a bachelor's degree in business from Regis College in Weston, Mass., and a master's degree in economics from the University of Colorado.

"These management changes are part of Nissan's ongoing efforts to align leadership talent with opportunities for growth and increased operational efficiencies," said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas. �"A strong organization begins with a strong leadership team, and, given the quality of the people who are leading our company, I am confident about our future."

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. �Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 ENERGY STAR� Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

SOURCE Nissan