automotive

Nissan Appoints DEI Leader, Plans Diversity Disruption Day

Nissan North America has a new diversity champion who is working closely with the automaker’s marketing team. 

Keri Floyd Kelly is director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Nissan Group of North America. 

Her responsibilities include developing diversity and inclusion strategies to integrate into the Nissan business, steering the executive and advisory diversity councils, and cultivating sustained relationships with civic and community leaders and organizations.

Kelly is working closely with Nissan U.S. CMO Allyson Witherspoon on integrating DEI with marketing strategy, per a spokesperson. They are partnering on an upcoming Diversity Disruption Day for Nissan senior executives and other key internal stakeholders.

"With Keri's expertise, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of Nissan's business and meaningfully advance our culture,” says Jeremie Papin, senior vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and chairperson, Nissan Americas, in a release.  

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Previous to Kelly, Rodney Francis, whose title was director, diversity and talent acquisition, held the position from August 2019 to December 2020. Francis left for a position with electric startup automaker Rivian. Prior to Francis, Jeffrey Webster held the position for 34 years before retiring. 

Kelly previously held the position of senior manager, Americas Diversity Office, at Nissan. Her professional background spans across multiple disciplines in finance, product strategy, marketing, purchasing, and human resources. She also has prior experience in the defense industry.

"I live by the mantras of ‘Do what is right' and ‘Be boldly you,’" Kelly says in a  release. “I'm stepping into this critical role at a critical time in society. I am enthusiastic to continue the DEI initiatives of Nissan and to be a part of a team that inspires and influences lasting change, respect and appreciation for our differences.”

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