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Published: Jan 12, 2026 4:47 PM | 3 min read
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Nissan has announced a set of senior leadership changes across its Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region.
Starting January 1, 2026, Thierry Sabbagh will take on expanded responsibilities that now include Nissan India. He has been appointed Divisional Vice President and President, Middle East, KSA, CIS and India – Nissan and Infiniti. This expanded role reflects Nissan’s intent to ensure leadership stability across key markets, while placing stronger emphasis on governance, execution and growth in India, which is a strategic focus within the AMIEO region.
India plays a central role in Nissan’s plans for 2026 as the company accelerates its comeback in the market. As part of this push, Nissan India is set to launch three new vehicles over the next 14 to 16 months, including the GRAVITE, TEKTON and a 7-seater C-SUV. The company is also expanding its footprint through a wider dealer network, aiming to reach 250 customer touchpoints across the country.
Commenting on the development, Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO, said the Re:Nissan strategy is focused on transformation and putting customers first. He added that strengthening regional leadership will help build a more flexible organisation that can respond faster to market changes and deliver attractive, competitive products. Messina expressed confidence that these leadership changes will boost performance and momentum in 2026, and wished Sabbagh success in his new role.
Sharing his views, Thierry Sabbagh said he is pleased to take on the expanded responsibility at an important time for Nissan. He noted that both the Middle East and India are fast-growing and evolving markets with strong potential. Sabbagh added that he looks forward to working closely with teams and partners across the region to build on existing strengths, drive growth and deliver greater value to customers.
Welcoming the move, Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said the appointment marks an important milestone for the company in India as it enters its next growth phase. He added that Sabbagh’s leadership and experience will play a key role in strengthening Nissan’s market position and enhancing customer value, as the company shifts from transformation to execution with a clear focus on products, customers and sustainable growth.
Nissan also announced that Leon Dorssers, Senior Vice President and Chief of Commercial Operations, Nissan AMIEO, will be leaving the company. Dorssers began his career with Nissan in 1992 as a trainee in Nissan Europe in Amsterdam and went on to hold several leadership roles across France, Spain, Belgium, the US and Japan. He most recently served as AMIEO Senior Vice President for Marketing and Sales, a role he took on in 2021.
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