Infiniti has appointed Francois Bancon as its new vice president for product strategy and will help to lead a 60% increase in the brand’s product portfolio and double the amount of engines it offers over the next five years.

He will be based at the company’s global headquarters in Hong Kong and report to Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen.

Bancon will take up the role on April 1 and moves from division general manager for Nissan overseeing product strategy and planning for the exploratory and advanced product department.

De Nysschen said: “Product is at the core of our growth strategy. Francois’ product experience, his passion, and in particular his in-depth knowledge of future product trends, will be key assets as we continue to craft our future portfolio.”

Bancon started his automotive career with Renault SA in France in 1978. In 1999, he joined Nissan as general manager in charge of perceived quality within the company’s design team.

Infiniti is planning to have 80%of the premium market covered with new products by 2018.