NISSAN PHILIPPINES, INC. (NPI) recently introduced its new president in ceremonies at the Okada Manila, Pasay City. Juan Manuel Hoyos, officially appointed last April, succeeds Atsushi Najima who is set to assume his post as chief financial officer of Nissan India.
Mr. Hoyos joined Nissan in 2017 as marketing director for the Latin America region, where he later took on the role as the general manager for Global Engagement Brand, based in the Nissan global headquarters in Yokohama. Prior to joining Nissan, he held management posts in Renault and General Motors.
As NPI president, Mr. Hoyos will be responsible for steering the company’s direction to drive product innovation and business improvements. In his message during the event, Mr. Hoyos said he plans to “strengthen the Nissan brand in the country to improve its competitiveness,” and “continue to provide excellent after-sales service to its customers.”
In a release, NPI said Mr. Najima had led the brand through a “transformative” period — navigating past challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am excited for Nissan in the Philippines as it charts a new chapter with Hoyos at the helm. His vast experience in the automotive industry will help him sustain the growth that we have established in the last three years, as the country steadily recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Despite the unprecedented hurdles, Nissan sustained its strong standing in the Philippine automotive industry. It ranked third in the local automotive industry, opened four new dealerships, and introduced five new models, including the Leaf — the first fully electric vehicle from a major manufacturer to launch here. The Navara also continued to be the brand’s best-selling nameplate, continuing its strong momentum with a model refresh last year.
Nissan Philippines also launched breakthrough campaigns such as its partnership with the Department of Tourism to promote safe and responsible travel in the new normal. The company also intensified its electrification push by partnering with key stakeholders under its Blue Switch program. When mobility was limited, Nissan took advantage of digital platforms such as virtual showrooms to maximize audience reach.
“It is a bittersweet moment for me as I move to my new assignment. My family and I will definitely miss the warmth and hospitality of our colleagues and partners. At the same time, I am proud of the company Nissan Philippines has become through the hard work, passion, and perseverance of its people,” Mr. Najima added.
For his part, Mr. Hoyos promised to continue building on the trust Nissan has established over the years with its employees, partners, and customers. “We will continue to focus on our highly dedicated people, excellent products and service, and exceptional customer experience so we can sustain the company’s growth trajectory through this management transition,” he maintained. “I look forward to further growing the Nissan brand in the Philippines, building upon the solid foundation of trust it has laid over the years.”