US marketer takes Nissan global post

Nissan Motor Company has appointed Steven Wilhite as its global marketing chief, following a top-level management reshuffle.

He replaces Jean-Jacques LeGoff, who returns to Renault. Renault, which has a 44 per cent controlling stake in Nissan, has not said what role LeGoff will be filling. Renault’s top marketer at the moment is François Hinfray, who has been executive vice-president for sales and marketing since 1998.

Wilhite moves to Nissan’s Tokyo headquarters, after being promoted from vice-president of marketing for Nissan North America, the company’s most important market. American-born Wilhite previously held marketing positions at Apple Computer and Volkswagen.

Nissan Motor Company president and chief executive Carlos Ghosn, credited with turning around Nissan since it was rescued by Renault in 1999, will take control of the company’s American operations until he becomes chief executive of Renault next year.

Nissan has a global advertising agreement with TBWA/Worldwide, and the agency’s Paris office creates the majority of Nissan’s UK advertising.