Nissan Announces Leadership Transition to Drive Transformation in AMIEO Region

Nissan Motor Co. has announced a significant leadership transition in its Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania (AMIEO) region as part of its ongoing Re:Nissan recovery plan.

Effective October 1, 2025, Massimiliano (Max) Messina will take charge as Chairperson of the AMIEO region. Messina, currently Vice Chairperson and Senior Vice President for Finance, Administration and Strategy at Nissan AMIEO, will oversee operations across three continents, spanning 140 countries, five manufacturing plants, 13,000 employees, and 26 models currently on sale.

Messina, 54, joined Nissan in 2022, bringing decades of global leadership experience across automotive, retail, and industrial manufacturing. His appointment aims to provide continuity, strengthen regional operations, and ensure closer alignment with Nissan’s global strategy, including its partnerships with Renault and Mitsubishi.

“I’m honoured to take on this responsibility at such a critical moment for Nissan,” Messina said. “I’m proud to lead a team that is working tirelessly to both transform our company and deliver fantastic vehicles to our customers across the AMIEO region.”

The leadership change will allow Guillaume Cartier, Nissan’s Chief Performance Officer and current Chairperson of the AMIEO region, to fully concentrate on his global responsibilities.

In parallel, Victorino (Vito) Esnaola, currently Finance Divisional General Manager in a global role, will step in as Senior Vice President, Finance & IT, AMIEO. Esnaola, 52, joined Nissan in 2015 and has held multiple senior finance roles across Spain and Europe. In his new role, he will report directly to Messina.

Cartier welcomed the leadership moves, noting:
“Max’s leadership and operational expertise will be vital to Nissan in the highly diverse AMIEO region, as we accelerate transformation across the business. I wish both Max and Vito every success in their new roles as we streamline decision-making and boost performance, ensuring the region’s alignment with the global Re:Nissan plan.”

The Re:Nissan recovery strategy aims to restore profitability and positive free cash flow in the automotive business by fiscal year 2026. Recent efforts include the launch of new models such as the Patrol and Magnite in the Middle East and Africa, as well as plans to introduce four new electric vehicles in Europe.

The AMIEO region plays a pivotal role in Nissan’s long-term strategy under Ambition 2030, the company’s vision to achieve carbon neutrality across its products and operations by 2050, while expanding its electrified vehicle lineup worldwide.