Nissan Board Weighs CEO Change Amid Struggles, Uchida’s Future Uncertain

Nissan Motor Co. (OTC:NSANY) is set to hold a critical board meeting on March 11 to discuss potential successors for CEO Makoto Uchida, following mounting pressure over the automaker’s poor performance, Reuters reported.

Among the leading candidates are CFO Jeremie Papin and Chief Planning Officer Ivan Espinosa. However, their ties to the current management could pose challenges. The board is also considering appointing an interim CEO while searching for a permanent replacement.

Uchida’s leadership has been under scrutiny, particularly after the collapse of merger talks with Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) and increasing speculation about a possible investment from Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd. (TW:2317), also known as Foxconn. Notably, former Nissan executive Jun Seki leads Foxconn’s automotive push, further fueling uncertainties.

If Uchida steps down, it would mark Nissan’s fourth CEO change in less than six years, highlighting ongoing instability since the high-profile 2018 ouster of former Chairman Carlos Ghosn. The company has struggled to regain its footing, facing intense competition, shifting industry dynamics, and internal challenges.

As Nissan navigates leadership uncertainty, investors and industry watchers will closely monitor the outcome of the board meeting, which could shape the automaker’s future direction.