Guillaume Sicard appointed president of Nissan India Operations

Nissan has announced the appointment of Guillaume Sicard as president, Nissan India operations, effective October 1, 2014. Sicard has been serving as Nissan’s deputy president in India since July, 2014.

Sicard takes over from Kenichiro Yomura, current president of Nissan India operations, who is returning to Japan where he has been appointed general manager, Africa Business Management Department, Nissan Motor Co. Sicard will report to Takashi Hata, senior VP of Nissan Motor Co, in charge of Africa, Middle East and India region.

In his new role, Sicard will lead Nissan in India and be responsible for all the company’s operations in the country, including manufacturing at the plant in Chennai which has a capacity of 400,000 units. He will lead business development as Nissan expands its sales networks in India for the Nissan and Datsun brands and launches new products in pursuit of its ambition to be a major player in the country’s automotive sector.

Nissan says it will later announce the name of a new managing director of Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL), Nissan’s sales and marketing company in India, who will report to Sicard.

 “Guillaume Sicard will make a significant contribution to Nissan,” said Hata. “Sicard will take an encompassing role and lead our continued focus on delivering the best products and ensuring satisfaction for our customers in India. Our goal is to become a major player in this important and growing market.”

Hata continued: “At the same time, I would like to thank Kenichiro Yomura for his valuable contribution in India. Under his direction we have grown our sales and launched key products including the Terrano, the new Sunny and the Datsun GO. He has developed our sales, marketing and service operations. I look forward to welcoming him back to Japan where he will continue to play a critical role in the growth of our business across Africa, the Middle East and India.”

Senior management changes in Africa, Middle East too

Along with the change at the helm of affairs in India, Nissan has also effected senior management appointments in the Africa, Middle East region, effective October 1, 2014. The changes cover the positions of vice-president (VP) and managing directors (MD).

"Africa, Middle East and India is the region of growth as Nissan’s strategic driver and today's appointments will further strengthen our business in the region," said Takashi Hata." This talented Nissan executive team in the region will take a lead our continued focus on ensuring satisfaction for our customers and enhancing our brands."

Kazutaka Nambu, currently MD of Nissan Motor Egypt S.A.E. is appointed VP (Sales and Marketing) in Africa, Middle East and India. He will continue his current role concurrently.

Samir Cherfan, currently MD of Nissan Middle East FZE is appointed MD, Nissan Saudi Arabia Co., Ltd., which is a newly established national sales company. He will continue his current role concurrently. Nissan Saudi Arabia is a joint venture formed with our partner Khaled Juffali Company and expected to play an important role to increase Nissan’s presence in the biggest market in Middle East.

See interview with Kenichiro Yomura: http://bit.ly/1B0WdC5