Stepping down Nissan Motor Co. CEO: Makoto Uchida (Image: Online)
BY: Saneliso Mlambo
March 11, 2025 — Nissan Motor Co. has announced the resignation of CEO Makoto Uchida, following a series of setbacks, including disappointing financial results and the collapse of merger talks with Honda. The company is projecting an ¥80 billion ($536 million) loss for the current fiscal year, prompting the leadership change.
Effective April 1, Uchida will be succeeded by Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s Chief Planning Officer. Espinosa, who has extensive experience in product planning and electric vehicle development, is expected to steer the company through a critical phase, focusing on revitalizing Nissan’s performance and expanding its presence in the electric vehicle market.
Renault, a key partner in the Nissan-Renault alliance, expressed confidence in Espinosa’s leadership. The automaker emphasized the importance of maintaining the strong collaboration between Nissan and Renault moving forward.
Uchida’s resignation marks the end of his tenure at a time when Nissan faces significant challenges in the global automotive market.