Nissan North America has promoted Sonia Rief to the role of vice president, Program Management Office & Vehicle Connected Services. Rief is currently director, Regional Vehicle Program Management at the Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
“Sonia brings 20 years of strong automotive experience to this role, and she is the ideal person to lead the North American region’s efforts to manage vehicle line profitability and accelerate our connected services business,” according to Scott Becker, senior vice president, Administration. “Sonia is often recognized as one of the leading women within the automotive industry, and we are excited to add her perspective and extensive expertise to our executive leadership team.”
Rief joined Nissan in 2001, progressing through roles of increasing responsibility within the Research and Development function, including a one-year assignment in Japan supporting the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Most recently, she was responsible for regional program management for mid-size sedans, and compact and mid-size SUVs.
Rief replaces Tom Smith, who was recently named program director for D-platform vehicles at Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., in Yokohama, Japan.
These management changes are part of Nissan’s efforts in North America as the company focuses on the key pillars of its “M.O.V.E. to 2022” midterm business plan. The mission of the six-year plan is to achieve sustainable growth and to lead the technology and business evolution of the automotive industry.
SOURCE: Nissan
