Nissan effects management changes in Europe

Nissan Europe has announced that Ponz Pandikuthira, currently LCV business director, has been promoted to vice-president (Product Planning), Nissan Europe, effective May 1, 2016.

In his present role, Ponz has successfully grown the LCV business in Europe and he and his team have redefined the business and the way products are marketed, upgrading the dealer network and developing a new and unique, industry leading 5-year fully transferable OEM warranty.   

Ponz will report to senior vice-president, Sales and Marketing, Europe Guillaume Cartier and functionally to Keno Kato, corporate vice-president, Global Product Planning, in Japan. He will continue to be based at Nissan International SA in Rolle, Switzerland.

Pandikuthira joined Nissan in 2012 as chief marketing manager for crossovers, C-segment and sports cars managing a portfolio of six vehicles. In this role he led the launch of the new Nissan Qashqai, a resounding success across all levels of the business. He was appointed LCV Business Director in 2014. Ponz will continue to hold the reins of LCV product planning in his new role overseeing a team split in Switzerland, Russia, France and the UK.

Ponz replaces Ivan Espinosa who after two successful years as vice president Product Planning in Europe is moving into the role of Program Director on D platform, based in Nissan’s headquarters in Japan.  

Ivan’s past roles in sales and marketing and planning functions in South East Asia, Latin America and in Europe as head of Product Planning, have given him a wide breadth of invaluable experience which will help him achieve his objectives in his new, challenging role.  

Robert Lujan, currently divisional general manager of Global Sales and Performance Division at Nissan’s headquarters in Japan will replace Ponz as director of LCV Business Unit, Europe. Robert joined Nissan in 2007 and has held various leadership roles in the European organisation before he was transferred to Japan for a global assignment where he held a key leadership role in Nissan’s electric vehicle program.

Robert will report to Guillaume Cartier in Europe as well as Philippe Guerin Boutaud Corporate Vice President, Global LCV Business Unit in Japan.

Guillaume Cartier, senior VP (Sales and Marketing), Nissan Europe, said: “Ponz is taking over the helm of Product Planning in Europe at a very exciting and critical time when the automotive industry is undergoing immense change and welcoming huge opportunities. His expertise and experience will be great assets to the business in Europe.”

“Robert brings with him over 20 years of experience in the motor industry at Nissan and elsewhere. He has played a key role in the success of Nissan’s global electric vehicle organisation and we are excited to have him back in Europe to lead and further grow the LCV unit, a key pillar in our European success.”