The Nissan Motor Corporation has announced that Masao Tsutsumi will be the new president of Nissan Philippines. Tsutsumi is currently based in Nissan Motor Thailand as the senior vice president for non-Monozukuri, or non-production and -manufacturing-related affairs.
He will be taking over from Yasuhisa Masuda, who oversaw three vehicle debuts and four new dealership openings. During his tenure, Masuda ushered in Nissan’s ‘Always Daring’ era, which saw the local introduction of the Nissan Z Nismo. The upcoming release of the Nissan Patrol will also serve as Masuda’s final bow with Nissan Philippines.
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The incoming president started with Nissan in 2018 under the Japan Brand and Media Strategy division. He then moved to the ASEAN offices in 2021, where he rose to senior vice president. Starting April 1, Tsutsumi will be based in Manila, reporting to Toshihiro Fujiki, president of Nissan ASEAN and Thailand.
As Tsutsumi enters his position, Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida will be stepping down from his position on April 1. Sitting chief planning officer Ivan Espinosa is set to take up the mantle and get Nissan back to a place of prosperity.
Since the latter half of 2024, Nissan has made headlines from failed merger discussions, production cuts, and mass lay-offs. While the brand has still been able to release new vehicles, Espinosa undoubtedly has a tall order to accomplish.
