NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a dramatic corporate carousel, Nissan North America hitches its wagon to a familiar face, Vinay Shahani, crowning him as the new senior vice president of U.S. Marketing and Sales, effective January 18. Shahani gallops back into Nissan’s stable, taking the reins from the retiring Mike Colleran, who bids adieu on March 31 after a 12-year sprint of commendable leadership.
Shahani, a seasoned jockey in the automotive race, is no stranger to the Nissan track. He previously pranced through a nearly decade-long tenure at Nissan North America, starting as an engineering manager at the Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant in 2004. Known for his nimble navigation through various roles, Shahani eventually steered his career towards marketing and sales, leaving hoofprints of success in several managerial pastures.
Before his latest Nissan homecoming, Shahani was revving engines at Lexus USA as Vice President of Marketing. His journey also includes pit stops at Toyota North America and Volkswagen of America, where he honed his skills in steering brands towards the victory lane.
Jérémie Papin, chairperson of Nissan Americas, trumpeted Shahani’s return, praising his unique blend of Nissan pedigree and his stint with global automotive titans. “As we shift gears with Nissan Next, Vinay’s the ace driver we need at the wheel,” Papin remarked. “He’s the perfect pit crew chief to fuel our brands towards a turbocharged future, balancing high-octane performance with a heart for our team.”
Shahani’s predecessor, Mike Colleran, is parking his illustrious career in the Nissan garage after a marathon of milestones. Joining the team in 2011, Colleran navigated through various leadership lanes, including overseeing Nissan Canada, Nissan’s U.S. Northeast region, and the Infiniti brand. His tenure culminated in his role as senior vice president, U.S. Marketing and Sales, where he played a pivotal part in the Nissan Next transformation.
Papin lauded Colleran’s legacy, emphasizing his pivotal role in steering Nissan and Infiniti through choppy waters. “Mike’s been our captain through some stormy seas, and he’s sailing off into retirement with our cheers and heartfelt thanks,” he said.
As Shahani buckles up for this new chapter, Nissan enthusiasts are revving their engines in anticipation. With his hands firmly on the steering wheel, the automotive world watches with bated breath as Shahani races Nissan towards a future filled with innovation, performance, and, undoubtedly, a few more exciting twists and turns on the corporate racetrack.
