Paris: Nissan has announced key leadership changes in its AMIEO region (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania) as part of its Re:Nissan recovery plan. Effective October 1, 2025, Massimiliano (Max) Messina will assume the role of Chairperson of the Nissan AMIEO region, leading operations across three continents, 140 countries, five plants, 13,000 employees, and 26 models currently on sale.
Messina, 54, currently serves as Vice Chairperson and Senior Vice President, Chief Finance, Administration and Strategy, Nissan AMIEO. Since joining Nissan in 2022, he has brought with him extensive international experience spanning automotive, retail, and industrial manufacturing sectors. His appointment is expected to ensure continuity, strengthen partnerships with Renault and Mitsubishi, and align the AMIEO region with Nissan’s global objectives.
“I’m honoured to take on this responsibility at such a critical moment for Nissan. I’m proud to lead a team that is working tirelessly to both transform our company and deliver fantastic vehicles to our customers across the AMIEO region,” said Messina.
The leadership transition will enable Guillaume Cartier, Nissan Chief Performance Officer and current Chairperson of the AMIEO region, to focus on his expanded global responsibilities.
As part of the reshuffle, Victorino (Vito) Esnaola will succeed Messina as Senior Vice President, Finance & IT for the AMIEO region. Esnaola, 52, currently serves as Finance Divisional General Manager in a global role. Since joining Nissan in 2015, he has held key finance leadership positions in Spain and Europe before moving to a global role in 2024. He will now report directly to Messina.
Commenting on the appointments, Cartier said, “Max’s leadership and operational expertise will be vital to Nissan in the highly diverse AMIEO region, as we accelerate transformation across the business. I wish both Max and Vito every success in their new roles as we streamline decision-making and boost performance, ensuring the region’s alignment with the global Re:Nissan plan.”
The leadership changes come as Nissan gears up to launch four new electric vehicles in Europe, following the successful introduction of models such as Patrol and Magnite in the Middle East and Africa. Under the Re:Nissan recovery plan, the company is targeting a return to profitability and positive free cash flow in its automotive business by fiscal 2026.
