Nissan appoints Thierry Sabbagh as India President, expands regional leadership role from January 2026
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Nissan Motor Co. has expanded the role of senior executive Thierry Sabbagh, appointing him President for India as part of a wider leadership restructuring across its Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region.
Effective January 1, 2026, Sabbagh will serve as Divisional Vice President and President for the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, CIS and India, overseeing Nissan and Infiniti operations. The move brings India under his direct leadership, underscoring the automaker’s intent to strengthen governance and execution in the market through tighter regional oversight.
The leadership changes are aligned with Nissan’s broader efforts to improve operational efficiency and decision-making speed amid ongoing global restructuring. By consolidating responsibilities at the regional level, the company is seeking continuity in leadership across established markets while increasing focus on growth-oriented geographies such as India.
India plans and product pipeline
India is expected to play a more prominent role in Nissan’s regional strategy over the coming year. The company plans to introduce three new models in the Indian market over the next 14–16 months, including the Gravite, Tekton and a seven-seater C-SUV.
Alongside new product introductions, Nissan is looking to expand its domestic retail footprint. Its dealer network is expected to grow to around 250 customer touchpoints across the country, aimed at improving market coverage and customer access.
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Sabbagh’s expanded mandate follows his long association with Nissan’s Middle East operations and signals closer alignment between India and the wider AMIEO strategy, particularly in areas such as product planning and market execution.
Senior exit at AMIEO
Separately, Nissan confirmed that Leon Dorssers, Senior Vice President and Chief of Commercial Operations for the AMIEO region, will be departing the company. Dorssers joined Nissan in 1992 and held senior leadership roles across Europe, the Americas and Japan, before taking charge of AMIEO marketing and sales in 2021.
The management changes come after a series of product launches across AMIEO markets in 2025. Nissan has indicated that 2026 will see further introductions across the region, including the India launches of Gravite and Tekton early in the year, as it works to stabilise volumes and strengthen its market presence.