Nissan Announces Senior Leadership Changes for Sales, Parts & Service

FRANKLIN, Tenn., April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan today announced that, effective May 1, Richard Latek is named regional vice president, Midwest region, Nissan Sales Division, and Walter Burchfield is appointed director, Business Planning, Parts & Service.

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In his new assignment, Latek will report to Al Castignetti, vice president, Nissan Sales Division, Nissan North America, and be responsible for Nissan vehicle sales, customer satisfaction and market presence in a region that covers Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and parts of Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky, West Virginia, Missouri and Pennsylvania. Since joining the company in 1990, Latek has grown his career through assignments in sales and marketing, most recently as director, chief marketing manager for Nissan, with oversight for the brand's Quest, Juke, Sentra, Versa and cube models. He has a bachelor's degree from Ohio University.

Latek succeeds Burchfield, who will oversee future product and program development, strategy, organizational development, along with financial controls, for the company's aftersales business. He will report to John Spoon, vice president, Parts & Service. Burchfield came to Nissan in 2007 after nearly 20 years at General Motors, where his responsibilities included sales and marketing, as well as assignments with the company's captive finance arm, GMAC. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Northwood University in Midland, Mich.

"The selection of Rich and Wally for these roles showcases the strength of our sales and marketing leadership team," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Nissan North America. "Rich's depth of experience, dealer relationships and command of the Nissan brand make him the perfect choice to head our Midwest sales operations, and Wally brings the skills and management capability we need to sustain growth and performance across our U.S. parts business."

About Nissan Americas

In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN.

SOURCE Nissan North America