Thomas Kuehl is Nissan India’s new president

Nissan India announced the appointment of Thomas Kuehl today as the president of the brand’s operations in the country, effective from October 1, 2017. As president, both Nissan and Datsun brands will be Kuehl’s responsibility and he will head all operations in India, including marketing and sales, manufacturing, research and development.

He replaces Guillaume Sicard, who stepped down from the role as president, India operations, recently. His new post is with alliance partner Renault as vice-president (sales and marketing), Asia Pacific and managing director, South Asia.

“Nissan India is an increasingly important part of Nissan’s growth plans,” said Peyman Kargar, chairman of Nissan’s Africa, Middle East and India region. “Thanks to his diverse and deep global auto industry experience, Thomas will help drive our business forward with a focus on delivering the best products and satisfaction for our customers, dealers and employees in India.”

Nissan India’s new head has over 22 years of international automotive experience in different areas of the value chain. Kuehl also has deep knowledge of the Indian market gained during his time as brand head of Skoda Auto India and executive director - corporate strategy for Volkswagen Group, India.

Commenting on his appointment, Kuehl said, “I am excited to be returning to India with Nissan. I have first-hand experience of the dynamism and great potential of India, which is on track to become one of the top three auto markets worldwide.”

“Nissan is also poised for significant growth with an expanding range of great products, technologies and services across the Nissan and Datsun brands and a well-established and quality-driven national retail network, supported by local production and R&D in Chennai,” he added.

Kuehl will be based in Gurugram (earlier Gurgaon, Haryana), the headquarters of Nissan India Motors, and report directly to Kargar.