In-line with its global Nissan Next strategy, Nissan has reorganized its operations under one region; Africa. Several leadership announcements have been made as part of the new structure effective 1 December 2020.
As contained in a statement released on Wednesday, Mike Whitfield is now the Managing Director, Africa Regional Business Unit. An experienced Nissan leader with nearly 40 years with the brand, Mike joined the organization in 1989. He has held various leadership roles including the managing director of Nissan Egypt and Nissan South Africa, as well as chairman of Africa South.
In this role, Mike will report to Joni Paiva, divisional vice president, marketing & sales, AMIO and will be based between Rosslyn and Cairo.
Kabelo Rabotho is appointed Country Director, Nissan South Africa. Kabelo has over 25 years’ experience in the marketing and sales environment, having covered product and brand management, sales and fleet management sales. Kabelo joined Nissan in 2016 after serving in management roles at BMW and Toyota South Africa. In his new role, he will be responsible for revenue generation functions as well as being the market lead for Nissan in South Africa, reporting into Mike Whitfield.
Sherief Eldessouky is appointed Country Director, Nissan Egypt – Sherief has more than 25 years of working experience in the automotive industry, joining Nissan Egypt as Director of Plant, Total Customer Satisfaction and Purchasing in March this year. In addition to Country Director, he will continue in his role as Plant Director. Prior to joining Nissan, Sherief worked for General Motors in several locations around the world. He will report to Mike Whitfield and be based in Cairo.
According to the automaker, the announcements come as a natural progression in-line with the Nissan Next principles and will enable the business to drive forward its strategy in Africa.
It stated: “This includes enhancing its focus on the customer with increased authority and autonomy, continuing development of manufacturing capabilities across the continent, streamlining our shared services for operational excellence, and finally, giving employees more room for growth.
“Beyond internal operating enhancements, this also positions Nissan to focus on the massive opportunity that Africa presents to the organization globally. With the accelerating demand for vehicles and growth potential for market share combined with the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, this new structure will help Nissan capitalize and deliver on its Nissan Next ambition.
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