Nissan’s luxury division Infiniti has appointed Wayne Bruce as communications director of its new European operation. The brand is due to launch in the UK in Autumn 2008.

Bruce was previously communications director for Nissan Motor (GB). Also appointed to the board is former Infiniti Europe project director Jim Wright.

Bruce won the PR category of the AM/Courland Rising Stars sponsored by Bank of Scotland in 2006.

When the brand launches in Europe towards the end of next year, it will have a dedicated sales and service network separate from Nissan. Company insiders have said that it is keen to keep the brands separate.

This is the opposite approach to what Toyota did with its luxury brand Lexus, initially selling cars through Toyota outlets.

Bruce says: “Despite huge competition in the European luxury market, Infiniti will succeed not least because its product line-up and ownership experience will be so special.”

Infiniti’s regional HQ is in Rolle, Switzerland.