Nissan boss Andy Palmer moves to Aston Martin

Nissan boss Andy Palmer will leave the company to become the new CEO of Aston Martin.

In a statement, Aston Martin said Palmer is tasked with leading "the next phase of technology and product creation". According to a report in the Financial Times today, Palmer will also help Aston Martin to "regain lost ground" against rivals including Porsche, Ferrari and Bentley.

Palmer had also been running Nissan's luxury arm, Infiniti, following the departure of Johan de Nysschen to Cadillac in July.

Reports suggest Palmer was Aston Martin's main target during the recruitment process, which is understood to have taken more than a year. Former Aston boss Ulrich Bez stepped down late last year.

Renault's product planning boss Philippe Klein will replace Palmer as the head of Nissan when he leaves later this month, and will report directly to Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn.

A statement from Aston Martin's board of shareholders reads: "We're delighted that Andy is able to join us as our new CEO at this important time at Aston Martin.

"Andy's wealth of experience on the global automotive stage in marketing and sales, engineering and technology, and luxury and brand management will be instrumental in taking Aston Martin forward through its most significant and ambitous perioud of investment to date."

A Nissan spokesman told Bloomberg that Palmer's departure "is not going to impact on our business.

"We have an established organisation and we have a clear growth plan for the CEO in the Nissan Power 88 plan. That's not going to change."

Palmer began his career in the automotive industry in 1979 as an apprentice before joining Austin Rover in 1986. He moved to Nissan in 1991, and has been based in the firm's home market of Japan for the past 13 years. He was recognised in the New Years Honours list in 2014, receiving the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).

There is no indication yet of when Palmer will take up the role.

Read Steve Cropley's blog on why Palmer's move is good news for Aston Martin

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