Driving the news: Nissan's U.S. sales and marketing chief, Vinay Shahani, has quit after less than two years on the job, with longtime Nissan executive Michael Soutter taking over immediately.
For context: Shahani has been a major advocate for Nissan's dealers and the brand's success in the U.S. market since joining the company.
But now, he says he's leaving for a job outside the auto industry to spend more time at home with his family.
Soutter, Shahani’s replacement, has spent over a decade at Nissan, most recently leading the global aftersales business from Japan where he drove record operating profits.
Why it matters: Shahani was a powerful voice championing Nissan's turnaround efforts and dealer relationships at a time when the brand desperately needs positive momentum. And losing someone who understood both the marketing side and dealer concerns during a critical restructuring period, could possibly create a significant gap in leadership continuity.
Bottom line: Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier called Shahani a "tireless champion" for good reason. He was one of the key executives pushing for the brand's recovery and dealer success. Soutter, undoubtedly, will try to do the same. But this transition certainly raises questions about what’s going on behind closed doors.
CDG News has reached out to Vinay Shahani for comment. Will we update the article as soon as more information becomes available.
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