Gurugram: Nissan has hit the refresh button on its leadership playbook, announcing a series of senior management changes across its Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region—moves aimed at accelerating the Re:Nissan transformation plan and sharpening the brand’s customer-first execution.
Effective January 1, 2026, Thierry Sabbagh has taken on an expanded mandate that now includes India, alongside the Middle East, KSA and CIS. In his new role as Divisional Vice President and President for the region—covering both Nissan and Infiniti—Sabbagh’s brief grows wider at a time when Nissan’s ambitions in India are growing louder (and faster).
India, clearly circled in red on Nissan’s 2026 roadmap, is set to be a major growth engine as the brand shifts from turnaround to traction. Over the next 14–16 months, Nissan India plans to roll out three new models—Gravite, Tekton, and a new 7-seater C-SUV—while expanding its retail footprint to 250 customer touchpoints nationwide. In short: more cars, more showrooms, and fewer reasons to say “when is the new Nissan coming?”
Commenting on the leadership reshuffle, Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson of Nissan AMIEO, said the Re:Nissan plan is all about speed, agility and customer-centricity. By empowering regional leadership, Nissan aims to respond faster to market dynamics and deliver more compelling products—ideally before customers finish refreshing the launch teaser pages.
Sabbagh, stepping into his expanded role at what Nissan calls a “pivotal moment,” said the Middle East and India represent dynamic, fast-evolving markets with significant opportunities ahead. He added that he looks forward to working closely with regional teams and partners to accelerate growth and deliver meaningful value—corporate speak, yes, but with a clear hint that execution is now the main event.
Welcoming the appointment, Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, called it a significant moment as the company enters a new phase of growth. He noted that Sabbagh’s experience and leadership will be instrumental as Nissan moves decisively from transformation to execution, with a sharper focus on products, customers and sustainable growth.
The announcement also marked the departure of Leon Dorssers, Senior Vice President and Chief of Commercial Operations for Nissan AMIEO. A Nissan veteran since 1992, Dorssers’ three-decade journey spanned multiple global markets, culminating in his leadership of marketing and sales across the region.
With strong momentum from 2025 and key launches lined up for early 2026—including India debuts of Gravite and Tekton—Nissan is gearing up for what it hopes will be a decisive year. And with leadership continuity now reinforced at the top, the message is clear: Nissan isn’t just planning a comeback in India—it’s pressing the accelerator.
