NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan today announced Matt Ericson, currently regional vice president, Nissan Southeast Region, has been promoted to vice president, Product Marketing & Operations for the U.S.
In his new role, Ericson will oversee the introduction of new products to market, from planning and execution to vehicle pricing and incentives. With more than 26 years of automotive experience, including 20 years with Nissan, Ericson brings a broad background across product marketing, sales, operations and dealer engagement. Most recently, he served as Regional Vice President, Nissan Southeast Region. Previously, as Chief Marketing Manager, he led model-line strategy for Nissan SUVs. Over the course of his Nissan career, Ericson has held key roles across Marketing Operations, Marketing & Sales, Dealer Operations, and Parts and Service. His experience also extends globally, including an assignment at Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, where he served as General Manager, Global Sales Operations–Americas.
Ericson's appointment is effective Dec. 1. He will be based in Franklin, Tenn., and report to Tiago Castro, senior vice president, U.S. Marketing and Sales, Nissan U.S. & INFINITI Americas.
"Matt knows our products, our business and, most importantly, how to win with customers," said Castro. "His experience across product marketing, operations and the field gives him a clear view of what customers want, what dealers need and where the market is going. That combination will help us build a stronger Nissan brand and drive growth."
Ericson will succeed Jeff Pope, who will retire from Nissan on Dec. 31 following nearly 21 years with the company. Pope has built an extensive career across Nissan Motor Company, holding leadership positions spanning field operations, dealer network development, and global sales and marketing for Nissan and INFINITI.
"Jeff has made a lasting impact on Nissan, our dealers and the many people he has led and mentored throughout his career," said Castro. "His commitment to our business and team has helped shape the organization we have today. We thank him for his many contributions and wish him all the best in this next chapter."
Succeeding Ericson as regional vice president, Nissan Southeast Region, is Mike Falzarano. Falzarano joined Nissan in 2007 and has held roles across Regional Sales, Aftersales Field Operations, Sales Operations, INFINITI Product Marketing, and most recently, Global Sales Operations at Nissan's global headquarters in Japan. He will be based in Atlanta and report to Arcangelo Lofaro, Vice President, Nissan Sales & Regional Operations, Nissan U.S.
Quick Q&A
- What is Matt Ericson's new title at Nissan?
- Matt Ericson has been named vice president, Product Marketing & Operations for Nissan U.S., effective Dec. 1.
- What position did Matt Ericson hold immediately before his current promotion?
- Immediately prior to this promotion, Ericson served as regional vice president for the Nissan Southeast Region. Mike Falzarano will succeed him in that position.
- What earlier roles did Matt Ericson hold prior to his most recent regional leadership position?
- Earlier in his career, Ericson served as General Manager, Global Sales Operations–Americas at Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, and worked as Chief Marketing Manager leading model-line strategy for Nissan SUVs. He has also held roles across Dealer Operations, Marketing Operations, and Parts and Service.
- What career milestone did Jeff Pope achieve leading up to his retirement?
- Jeff Pope is retiring from Nissan on Dec. 31 after nearly 21 years with the company, having led field operations, dealer network development, and global sales and marketing across Nissan and INFINITI.
- What specific scope of responsibilities will Matt Ericson manage in his new role?
- In his new role, Ericson will oversee the introduction of new products to the market, managing everything from planning and execution to vehicle pricing and incentives while reporting to Tiago Castro in Franklin, Tenn.