Nissan looses Andy Palmer after the ex chief operating officer leaves the company for a big name in the UK. Andy Palmer will become Aston Martin new CEO, starting this autumn. He will be responsible with turning around the fortunes of the British automaker.
 
Renault’s product planning boss Philippe Klein will be installed as new Nissan CEO and it will be assigned to report directly to Carlos Ghosn, current Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO.
 
On the other hand, Andy Palmer will have to fight against legendary names in the supercar segment. Aston Martin targets Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche and it also has a in plan the revival of luxury sedan Lagonda.
 
Andy Palmer is leaving Nissan one month after Johan de Nysschen left Infiniti brand for Cadillac. Now, Philippe Klein will have to be in charge of both Nissan and Infiniti.
 
Palmer started his professional career in 1979 aged 16, as an apprentice at Automotive Products Limited (UK). In 1986 he joined Austin Rover to eventually become Transmissions Chief Engineer of Rover Group. Palmer joined Nissan in 1991 and was based in Japan for the past 13 years.  
 
In the official press release, Aston Martin said: “We’re delighted that Andy will join us as our new CEO at this important time at Aston Martin.  Andy’s wealth of experience on the global automotive stage in marketing and sales, engineering and technology, and luxury and brand management will be instrumental in taking Aston Martin forward through its most significant and ambitious period of investment to date.”