‘Fresh perspective’ for Nissan NZ

Nissan Oceania has announced the appointment of Sriram (Sri) Padmanabhan as country head of Nissan New Zealand, effective from April 27.

Padmanabhan, pictured, started his transition into the Auckland-based role on April 1 and will report to Steve Milette, managing director of Nissan Oceania.

He has more than two decades of automotive industry experience across sales and network development, marketing and corporate strategy.

His career has involved senior leadership roles at Nissan Motor India and Nissan Motor Australia, and for Ford Motor Company across Oceania, Asia Pacific, Europe and emerging markets.

Padmanabhan joins the New Zealand operation from Nissan Motor India, where he led a future-ready business transformation programme supporting three simultaneous new product launches. 

Before this, he served as director of marketing and customer experience for Nissan Oceania, leading the “Defy Ordinary” brand direction and key product launches across the region.

He succeeds Jenni Martin, who has stepped down from the role.

Milette says Padmanabhan is a proven automotive leader with deep experience across brand, commercial and dealer network development. 

“He is well known to our team and our dealer partners across the Oceania region and brings the expertise, energy, and fresh perspective to strengthen Nissan’s position in New Zealand. 

“I’m delighted to welcome Sri to the new role and thank Jenni for her valuable contribution and leadership during her time with Nissan. We wish her all the very best in her future endeavours.”