Elias departs Nissan to rival Renault

Nissan has promoted Vincent Wijnen to the role of GB marketing director following the departure of Justin Elias to rival car marque Renault. Wijnen, currently Nissan Motor (GB) sales director, will be replaced by Kevin Butler, vehicle remarketing and fleet management general manager.

Elias, previously marketing director of Renault Asia Pacific, was appointed at the end of 2005 (MW March 16, 2006). He replaced Paul Wilcox, who was promoted to vice-president of marketing for Nissan Europe.

Elias returns to Renault UK as southern region regional director, commercial operations. Wijnen joined Nissan’s UK operations in 2004 as aftersales and quality director before becoming sales director in April 2006. Previously, he spent 18 years at Nissan Europe and Nissan Netherlands including a stint as marketing and distribution director.

Marketing communications senior manager Andy Connell is leaving the department to join Nissan Europe as product manager for X-Trail.