March 8, 2023
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Under its Nissan NEXT transformation plan, Nissan has built a strong foundation with one of the industry’s freshest product portfolios, improved business outcomes and an improved company culture. Today, it is announcing management changes to build a stronger future in the Americas region.
Ponz Pandikuthira, currently vice president, Global Marketing, Nissan Motor Company, joins Nissan Americas as senior vice president and chief planning officer. He will oversee Product Planning, Program Management Office (PMO), Vehicle Connected Services and Market Intelligencefunctions in his new role, helping those teams deliver the strong product, technology and business portfolio the company will need to succeed in the future.
“Ponz brings more than two decades of industry experience, linking future product and technology plans with customers around the world,” said Jérémie Papin, chairperson, Nissan Americas. “He is the right person to lead our planning as our industry continues through this seismic shift to greater electrification and connectivity, while keeping a finger on the pulse of consumers throughout our region.”
Award-winning marketing leader Marisstella Marinkovic is joining Nissan as the brand’s vice president and U.S. chief marketing officer.
She replaces Allyson Witherspoon, who is being promoted to lead global marketing efforts for the brand as corporate vice president, Global Marketing, Brand and Merchandising, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
“Nissan is a brand built to thrill customers, and our marketing efforts always reflect that positioning,” said Michael Colleran, senior vice president, U.S. Marketing and Sales, Nissan North America. “With experience working with some of the largest brands in the world, Marisstella will continue to drive our efforts and deliver breakthrough campaigns for Nissan.”
Marinkovic will be responsible for marketing communications and media; data innovation and customer experience; enhancing brand value; customer trust and insights; and brand and product marketing for the Nissan division in the U.S.
Most recently, Marinkovic was director, Marketing Operations & Strategy, at Kia America. She brings more than two decades of experience in corporate and agency marketing, working on some of the world’s largest consumer and automotive brands. She led the development of campaigns that earned recognition at major industry events such as Cannes Lions, the Effies, One Show, Clios and the NY Film Festival.
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