Nissan's EV frontman leaves for Renault

Appointment takes effect next month

Email | Print By Sananda Sahoo

Nissan's Dominique Thormann, senior vice president of administration and finance, is returning to Renault as the chairman and chief executive officer of the French carmaker's sales-financing arm RCI Banque.

“[Thormann] played a vital role in advancing the company’s electric vehicle strategy during a challenging period for the industry,” said Carlos Tavares, Nissan’s chairman of the management committee for the Americas region.

The change in office comes just weeks after Department of Energy granted a $1.6 billion loan to Nissan North America to equip its Smyrna factory for the production of electric cars and batteries. The Japanese auto maker plans to launch its electric car late next year.

Thormann won't be severing all ties with Nissan though. RCI Banque, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Renault group, specializes in automotive financing and services for Nissan besides Renault, Dacia and Renault Samsung Motors dealers.

When Thormann joins the France office on October 5, it will be his second stint at Renault where he had worked in the investor relations department and for Renault Credit International as treasurer. 

Scott Becker, currently vice president of legal and government affairs and general counsel, will replace him from August 15.

Announcing the change in administration from their Franklin headquarters, Nissan said that Andrew Tavi, currently assistant general counsel, will succeed Becker as vice president of legal and government affairs, and general counsel, from the same date.