HONG KONG / ROLLE, Switzerland – Francois Goupil de Bouillé has been appointed Vice President, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) for INFINITI effective April 1. In this role, he will be responsible for managing INFINITI's entire business and steering its growth plan in this region. He succeeds Fintan Knight who has elected to pursue interests outside of the company.
Goupil de Bouillé is currently Vice President, Global Operations, for INFINITI based in Hong Kong. In addition, he has full market responsibility for the Asia & Oceania region. In his new capacity, he will be based at INFINITI's EMEA headquarters in Rolle, Switzerland. He will continue to report to Johan de Nysschen, president, INFINITI Motor Company, Ltd.
"Francois Goupil de Bouillé is a proven automotive leader who has a wealth of experience in Europe. He is one of our most senior executives and has an impressive track record. I am looking forward to his leadership, particularly as we prepare for the launch of the Q30 in 2015," said de Nysschen. "Fintan Knight has played a key role in shaping INFINITI as a modern and young challenger brand with an attitude. At the same time, he transformed the EMEA organization in preparation of future growth. I am grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best for his future endeavors."
INFINITI continues to strengthen its position in Europe significantly. A 2.2-liter diesel engine has been recently added to the portfolio to cater in particular to the needs of European customers. A 2.0-liter turbo will follow in autumn. The award-winning new Q50 sports sedan is targeting the heart of the European premium segment. Next year, production of the premium Q30 compact car will start in Sunderland, UK, in order to be close to discerning European buyers.
Goupil de Bouillé is a seasoned automotive professional who spent his 30-year professional life at Ford and Nissan. His successful international career includes leadership positions in Sales, Marketing & Aftersales in countries such as France, Hungary, Switzerland and Russia. As the fiscal year 2013 ends on March 31, INFINITI will reach a new all-time high sales result globally with approximately 179,000 vehicles sold. Under his leadership, Nissan emerged as the number one Japanese brand in Russia and tripled its annual sales from 50,000 to 150,000.
Goupil de Bouillé is a French national. He holds a Master's degree from the EM Lyon Business School.
About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand's portfolio.
As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of INFINITI Red Bull Racing, INFINITI has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as INFINITI's Director of Performance.
More information about INFINITI, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on INFINITI in Formula One, visit www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/INFINITIGP or follow on Twitter @INFINITIGP.
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Contacts:
For INFINITI U.S Communications, contact:
Kyle Bazemore
Senior Manager
Office: 615-725-3210
E-mail: kyle.bazemore@infiniti.com
For INFINITI Global Communications, contact:
Stefan Weinmann
General Manager, INFINITI Global Communications
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong
Phone: +852 3948 0126
Mobile: +852 9447 9973
Email: stefan.weinmann@infiniti.com
Jon Walsh
Senior Manager, INFINITI Global Communications
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong
Phone: +852 3948 0129
Mobile: +852 9447 9705
Email: jon.walsh@infiniti.com
