Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida could be replaced as soon as March 12

The pressure is mounting for Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida to step aside and let someone else take the reins of the Japanese automaker, with him potentially being forced to give up the role soon.

Digging in: Over the past few days, there have been a growing number of reports that Nissan’s company directors are considering a replacement for Uchida, who was appointed CEO in 2019. 

• Reports suggest that Uchida could be forced to relinquish his role as early as March 12, as part of a massive leadership overhaul at the company, which includes streamlining the management structure.

• Several names have surfaced as possible candidates to replace Uchida, including current Nissan CFO Jeremie Papin and Guillaume Cartier, who was named as the automaker’s chief performance officer late last year.  

Uchida, whose contract ends in 2026, has previously said that he would be willing to step down if asked, but that he would prefer to get Nissan on track for a turnaround before he leaves the company.

Between the lines: Reports of Nissan's plans to make leadership changes come amidst the automaker’s dismal earnings and failed Honda merger. 

• Last week, Fitch Ratings downgraded Nissan from an unsecured rating of BBB- to BB+, with the credit rating agency indicating that the automaker has a “negative” outlook and has “persistently low profitability with a delayed recovery trajectory.”    

• In December, Nissan and Honda signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a merger, which was viewed by many as Nissan’s most viable path to a turnaround, only to see the deal fall apart two months later.

• Honda has said it would reconsider the merger with Nissan if Uchida stepped down as CEO.     

Why it matters: A leadership change may reassure investors and dealers, but Nissan's challenges go beyond the C-suite. Persistent financial struggles and a credit downgrade point to deeper structural issues that a new CEO alone won’t solve. Without a strategic alliance, Nissan risks prolonged instability, further eroding market confidence, straining dealer relations, and losing ground to stronger competitors.

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