Dr. Lavanya Wadgaonkar, currently the Vice President at Nissan Global Communications, has been promoted to Corporate Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Nissan, effective 1 April 2024, making her the first Indian to be appointed as the head of global communications at the company.

In this role, she will oversee all of Nissan’s communications activities in Japan and globally, at a critical juncture, as Nissan launches The Arc, its new business plan to drive value and strengthen competitiveness. She will report to Makoto Uchida, President and CEO, Nissan.

Dr. Wadgaonkar has more than 28 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, brand management, marketing and sustainability. She previously led and developed the communications and external and government affairs functions for Nissan Asia and Oceania.

Before joining Nissan in 2012 in India, Dr. Wadgaonkar worked at printing company Lexmark, petrochemical conglomerate Reliance and diversified power management company Eaton, in various leadership roles in communications and marketing.

Originally from Hyderabad, Dr. Wadgaonkar holds a PhD, an MPhil and a Masters degree from Osmania University.