• by Tanya Gazdik , March 16, 2022

Jeff Pope, who has spent the last three years overseeing Infiniti’s North American performance and the brand's strategic direction and marketing efforts, is taking on a larger role in the company. 

Effective April 1, Pope becomes division vice president, dealer network development and customer quality, Nissan and Infiniti, U.S. and Canada. He is currently group vice president, Infiniti Americas.

He replaces David Kershaw, who is retiring from Nissan after 32 years. Kershaw served in a variety of roles, most recently in a critical leadership role as Nissan transformed its U.S. retail business.

The changes come as the automaker strengthens momentum for its Nissan NEXT transformation plan and continues to advance the future vision outlined in Nissan Ambition 2030, the company's long-term vision for empowering mobility and beyond.

That plan calls for launching 23 new electrified models, including 15 new EVs and aiming for 50% electrification mix by fiscal year 2030.

Pope, who has been with the company since April 2006, will report to Mike Colleran, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and senior vice president, U.S. marketing and sales.

Before Nissan and Infiniti, Pope spent more than 11 years at Ford Motor. Co. The Detroit-area native has both a BA and an MBA (marketing) from Michigan State University. 

Replacing Pope is Craig Keeys, who is currently regional vice president, Nissan Midwest Region. Tiago Castro, senior director, sales and marketing, Nissan Brazil, will replace Keeys in the Midwest.