Jim Morton, vice chairman for Nissan North America Inc., has decided to retire effective April 1, 2007. He will continue to serve the company as senior advisor for government affairs on a contract basis.
As part of the change in Nissan's senior leadership team, Scott Becker, vice president, legal, will take over Morton's responsibilities for government affairs. The vice chairman's position will be vacated.
Immediately prior to being named vice chairman on July 1, 2006, Morton was senior vice president, administration and finance. In this function, he oversaw all finance, legal, human resources, business strategy, corporate communications, captive finance, security, corporate aviation and audit for Nissan's North American operations.
"I appreciate Jim's hard work, commitment and significant contributions to Nissan's organization during his years of service, and we're looking forward to his continued contributions in his new role," says Carlos Ghosn, CEO and president of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. "I know that everyone at Nissan wishes him and his family the best in the future."
Morton is a member of Nissan North America's board of directors, Management Committee Americas (the key decision-making body for Nissan in North, Central and South America) and U.S. Management Committee.
He is also chairman of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, and a member of the following:
* board of trustees for the National Urban League;
* the Advisory Committee for the Trent Lott Leadership Institute at the University of Mississippi; and
* the Advisory Committee for the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Morton will keep an active role with the National Urban League and the two advisory committees.
Morton joined Nissan in May 2000. Prior to that, he held a variety of positions with Michelin North America Inc., which he joined in 1976. From 1996 until his departure, he held the position of vice president, public relations and government affairs.
Prior to joining Michelin, Morton worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. and General Dynamics Corp. in various tax accounting and legal positions.
For more information on Nissan in North America, visit www.NissanUSA.com.
