Nissan announces senior management changes

Published: March 17, 2026

© 2026 Nissan North America, Inc.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a leadership transition in its Chief Financial Officer role. Jérémie Papin will step down from his position for personal reasons. George Leondis, a long serving Nissan executive, is appointed to succeed him effective April. Leondis has been deeply involved in Re:Nissan and brings strong financial and strategic expertise, along with a global perspective shaped by experience across Nissan’s key markets. Papin will remain with the company through mid May to lead the closing of FY25 and to ensure a smooth and orderly transition. A Chartered Accountant by training, Leondis began his career at PwC before joining Nissan in 2004 as Head of Finance for Nissan Australia. Over the past two decades, he has taken on senior finance and leadership roles across Nissan’s key markets, building deep experience across the full breadth of the finance function key responsibilities, in addition to leading auto sales finance businesses and regional administration. In 2024, he returned to Japan to lead global product and industrial operations control, partnership finance, and M&A. Ivan Espinosa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan, said: “I want to thank Jérémie for his leadership and for the discipline he helped embed during an important phase of our recovery. He has played a key role in strengthening our financial foundation. Re:Nissan remains firmly on track, and with George’s deep involvement in the plan, we will ensure a smooth transition and continued execution.” Nissan’s priorities and commitments under Re:Nissan remain unchanged and the company continues to focus on disciplined execution, product competitiveness, and sustainable growth. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a leadership transition in its Chief Financial Officer role. Jérémie Papin will step down from his position for personal reasons. George Leondis, a long serving Nissan executive, is appointed to succeed him effective April. Leondis has been deeply involved in Re:Nissan and brings strong financial and strategic expertise, along with a global perspective shaped by experience across Nissan’s key markets. Papin will remain with the company through mid May to lead the closing of FY25 and to ensure a smooth and orderly transition. A Chartered Accountant by training, Leondis began his career at PwC before joining Nissan in 2004 as Head of Finance for Nissan Australia. Over the past two decades, he has taken on senior finance and leadership roles across Nissan’s key markets, building deep experience across the full breadth of the finance function key responsibilities, in addition to leading auto sales finance businesses and regional administration. In 2024, he returned to Japan to lead global product and industrial operations control, partnership finance, and M&A. Ivan Espinosa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan, said: “I want to thank Jérémie for his leadership and for the discipline he helped embed during an important phase of our recovery. He has played a key role in strengthening our financial foundation. Re:Nissan remains firmly on track, and with George’s deep involvement in the plan, we will ensure a smooth transition and continued execution.” Nissan’s priorities and commitments under Re:Nissan remain unchanged and the company continues to focus on disciplined execution, product competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

Quick Q&A

Who are the key individuals involved in the leadership transition?

Jérémie Papin is stepping down from his CFO role, and George Leondis will succeed him. Ivan Espinosa is the President and CEO of Nissan.

What significant change was announced by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.?

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced a leadership transition in its Chief Financial Officer role, with George Leondis replacing Jérémie Papin.

When does George Leondis officially take over as CFO?

George Leondis is appointed to succeed Jérémie Papin effective April.

What is the significance of George Leondis's appointment?

Leondis has been deeply involved in Re:Nissan and brings strong financial and strategic expertise, along with a global perspective shaped by experience across Nissan’s key markets.

What are the immediate next steps following this announcement?

Papin will remain with the company through mid-May to lead the closing of FY25 and to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.

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Attribution: https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/260310-03-e