Palmer was also overseeing Infiniti brand after Johan de Nysschen exit
A familiar face at Nissan booths on the global auto show circuit, chief planning officer Andy Palmer will be leaving the Japanese automaker to head British luxury marque Aston Martin.
The well-respected and well-liked British executive has reportedly made the decision to be closer to his family in the United Kingdom, states Automotive News.
Palmer’s exit is, for Nissan, unfortunately timed, as he follows two other high-level executives that have left the company since 2013.
Carlos Tavares, who was widely thought to be Carlos Ghosn’s successor, left for Renault rival Peugeot-Citroën/PSA last year. In July, Infiniti boss Johan de Nysschen left the company to head Cadillac and be closer to his family in the United States. Palmer was filling de Nysschen’s shoes at Infiniti on an interim basis.
Palmer will be replaced by Philippe Klein as Nissan’s chief planning officer, stated Nissan Motor Corporation in a release today. The three-time Nissan employee is said to be a “no nonsense engineer” according to Jeff Kuhlman, spokesman for Nissan, when interviewed by AN.
Infiniti duties will become the responsibility of Jose Munoz, executive vice president in charge of North America.
Nissan’s loss is Aston Martin’s gain.
The British automaker has been without a CEO since November when Ulrich Bez left the company. Palmer will bring a wealth of knowledge to Aston Martin, especially in its dealings with Daimler.
The German automaker will supply engines, components, and technical knowledge to Aston Martin, with many stating Daimler is keen to purchase the British sportscar maker.
In his role at Nissan, Palmer was involved in other deals with Daimler, including engine sharing and platform sharing agreements.
