Nissan Shuffles Senior Leaders

Nissan Motor Co. has announced several more management changes as the company continues to shuffle its executive team in the wake of former CEO Carlos Ghosn’s arrest and ouster last year.

The latest wave of new assignments will take effect on May 16. Yasuhiro Yamauchi (pictured), currently Nissan’s chief competitive officer, was named chief operating officer. He also will oversee marketing and sales, global electric vehicles and research and development. The COO position has been vacant for several years.

Chief quality officer Christian Vandenhende is adding the title of vice-COO. He will oversee management committees for North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. He will maintain his position as the head of quality and customer satisfaction.

Confirming a report two weeks ago, Nissan says Daniele Schillaci, head of global sales, marketing and electric vehicle programs, is leaving the company on May 15. His duties will be split between Yamauchi and Asako Hoshino, who is being promoted to executive vice president for sales, marketing and EVs.

Hitoshi Kawaguchi also was put in charge of sustainability and global communications. Jose Luis Valls, chairman of Nissan North America, was appointed to the board’s executive committee overseeing operational decisions.