Former Nissan Motor GB managing director Jim Wright has been named as divisional vice president, Nissan Europe East, as part of changes which usher in a new senior vice president, sales and marketing.

Wright’s title has changed from that of vice president, Nissan Europe East, just five months after he took his new post, as Philippe Saillard assumes his new sales and marketing post within Nissan Europe from a previous position as vice president, Nissan Europe Sales.

Saillard succeeds Guillaume Cartier, who is appointed corporate vice president, division general manager, Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

Cartier’s new role will see him based in Tokyo to oversee part of the Mitsubishi business which joined the Renault-Nissan Alliance in October 2016 when Nissan took a 34% stake in the Japanese brand.

Saillard and Wright will report to Paul Willcox, Nissan Europe’s chairman, with the changes becoming effective from April 1.

Willcox said: “With their solid track records in sales and marketing across Europe, I have no doubt that both Philippe Saillard and James Wright will continue the outstanding work of Guillaume Cartier and help us meet our goal of becoming the most desirable Asian car brand by 2020.”

Saillard’s replacement will be announced in due course, said a statement from Nissan.