Infiniti has not been winning many awards lately in Europe or the Middle East & North Africa region, mainly because of a very modest brand awareness, not only among the public but also among large parts of the professional motoring media in this region. Many people do not even know that Infiniti has been involved heavily with Formula 1 for a few years now.
This might change, with the appointment of a new Vice-President responsible for brand operations in Africa, Middle East, India and Europe, as Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen today (14.03.2013) announced another high-profile addition to the Infiniti leadership team.
Effective May 1, 2013, Fintan Knight will become Infiniti’s new Vice President for brand operations in Africa, Middle East, India and Europe.
Prior to joining Infiniti, Mr. Knight was commercial director and Member of the Board of Management at Automobil Lamborghini SpA, based in Italy, where he spearheaded the company’s marketing, sales, aftersales and joint subsidiary management.
From 1995-2008, Knight held prominent positions at Audi throughout the world, among them Managing Director of Audi Ireland and General Manager, Audi Asia and Pacific, where he gained experience in marketing , network development and aftersales management in several Asia Pacific markets.
“The addition of Fintan Knight is a key ingredient that further strengthens the Infiniti leadership team,” said
de Nysschen. “His proven track record in premium automotive brand management will be a tremendous asset as we reach out to new customers as part of Infiniti’s global growth plan. I have every confidence that Fintan will make a substantial contribution to our long-term success.”
Knight has 20 years of premium automotive experience. Before joining Audi, he also worked for BMW in Australia, where he began his career in the auto industry.
An Australian national, Mr. Knight holds a degree in economics from University of Western Australia and an MBA from IESE Business School, University of Navarra. He speaks English and German, with a splash of Italian.
Mr. Knight succeeds Bernard Loire who has been named Managing Director of Nissan Italia.
