Nissan names Uchida as CEO, Gupta as COO
Tokyo, October 8
Nissan Motor Co named Senior Vice President Makoto Uchida as its next chief executive officer (CEO) on Tuesday, picking a relative outsider who joined the automaker mid-career and is known for his rigorous work ethic and relentless focus on cost control.
In picking Uchida, the board of Japan’s second-largest automaker selected an executive who was not seen as a top contender in recent weeks.
He will be joined by India-born Mitsubishi Motors executive Ashwani Gupta, who was named as chief operating officer (COO). Former China chief Jun Seki, who was widely seen as one of the top contenders for the CEO job, will be vice-COO, the company said.
The three will take the helm of a company that has been shaken by turmoil following the downfall of former Chairman Carlos Ghosn last year and the departure of former CEO Hiroto Saikawwa. — Reuters
