Porsche Exec Recruited to Head Infiniti’s Americas Unit

Nissan Motor Co.'s Infiniti unit has hired Michael Bartsch, who has been COO of Porsche Cars North America for the past eight years, to become chief of the Japanese luxury brand's Americas operations in September.

Bartsch will replace Ben Poore, who is leaving to pursue a business outside the auto industry, according to Infiniti. Poore will remain on the company's board until the end of September.

Bartsch began his career 29 years ago at General Motors Co.'s Holden unit in Australia. He joined Porsche Australia as marketing manager in 1994. Bartsch took his most recent job as executive vice president and COO of the company's North America unit in 2004. He also headed Porsche's Canadian business in 2004-2009.

Bartsch was scheduled to become CEO of the brand's Australia unit on Sept. 1.