Nissan confirms new MD ahead of model launches

Nissan GB has confirmed that the former boss of Vauxhall, James Taylor, will become its new managing director from Thursday (May 1).

Taylor spent  more than 20 years with the Stellantis brand before leaving the company in January.

Taylor started his career with Vauxhall in 1997 on its undergraduate scheme and over the past 25 years has held senior commercial roles in sales and fleet, culminating in his appointment of MD at Vauxhall in 2022.   

Fleet News first revealed in March that Taylor had been earmarked for the top job at Nissan.  

He arrives at the manufacturer ahead of the launch of major new products in 2025, including an all-new Micra EV and all-new Leaf EV, plus the next generation of Nissan’s e-Power hybrid technology on Qashqai.

Taylor, who will report to Mayra González, divisional vice president for marketing and sales at Nissan Europe, said: “These are very dynamic times for the automotive industry so now, more than ever, we need to be agile and responsive to business needs and customer demands.

“Nissan already makes two of the UK’s top-selling cars, has exciting new products on the way and is a brand with real momentum. 

“I look forward to working with the Nissan team, its dealer partners, and other stakeholders to navigate current industry challenges and build the business for sustainable future success.”

González added: “We are happy to welcome James to the UK team and congratulate him on this appointment. 

“2025 is a hugely important year for Nissan’s largest European market and his experience will be invaluable as we strengthen our operations, accelerate our electrification plans, and evolve our network strategy to better serve our customers and support our dealers.”

Taylor succeeds Diana Torres as managing director.