An experienced automotive leader, he arrives at Nissan ahead of the launch of major new products in 2025, including an all-new MICRA EV and all-new LEAF EV, plus the next generation of Nissan’s unique e-POWER hybrid technology, on Qashqai.
Taylor brings more than two decades of expertise across all aspects of automotive sales and marketing, including most recently in his role as managing director at Vauxhall Motors Ltd. He will report to Mayra González, divisional vice president for marketing and sales at Nissan Europe.
“These are very dynamic times for the automotive industry so now, more than ever, we need to be agile and responsive to business needs and customer demands,” he said.
“Nissan already makes two of the UK’s top-selling cars, has exciting new products on the way and is a brand with real momentum. I look forward to working with the Nissan team, its dealer partners, and other stakeholders to navigate current industry challenges and build the business for sustainable future success.”
Taylor started his career with Vauxhall with roles in market analysis and sales operations. Following business and contract hire manager roles with parent company GM, he later took on director roles in fleet sales and marketing.
There then followed a role with Stellantis as B2B director before he returned to Vauxhall as managing director.
Mayra González added: “We are happy to welcome James to the UK team and congratulate him on this appointment. 2025 is a hugely important year for Nissan’s largest European market and his experience will be invaluable as we strengthen our operations, accelerate our electrification plans, and evolve our network strategy to better serve our customers and support our dealers.”
Nissan’s ongoing electrified product offensive will be powered up with the launch of upgraded Qashqai e-POWER technology and four new electric vehicles over the next two years.
These include the all-new MICRA and LEAF in 2025, followed by the all-new Juke EV and a city car from FY2026.
James succeeds Diana Torres as managing director and takes up his role from 1st May 2025.