With salaries in the millions, it's clear that top executives often travel in very luxurious cars. However, this is not always the case, as some CEOs opt for more humble choices for their daily rides and even appreciate the qualities of mainstream cars.
This is precisely the case for Ivan Espinosa, the new president of Nissan. The businessman is a true car enthusiast, which is why he drives a Nissan Z to work. It’s worth noting that he is also a dedicated fan of the brand, having worked at Nissan since 2003—essentially his entire professional life, given that he is only 46 years old.
A Career Full of Success
Ivan Espinosa holds a degree in mechanical engineering.
He began his career at Nissan in 2003 as a product specialist before becoming product director in 2005 and general manager of product in 2006 for Nissan’s Mexican division. In 2008, he moved to Thailand as marketing director and continued climbing the corporate ladder in Asia. In 2017, he was appointed vice president of Nissan’s product planning division. He kept advancing within the company, eventually reaching the top as Nissan’s CEO in 2025.
Espinosa is young and dynamic, which is excellent for Nissan’s brand image. He is also highly optimistic about the company's future. A sports car lover, he drives a Nissan Z every day. Moreover, the CEO is keen on bringing back the legendary GT-R to Nissan’s lineup—not to mention the Silvia and other iconic sports cars that have been part of Nissan’s history.
As you probably know, Nissan is currently undergoing a major restructuring. I believe that Ivan Espinosa’s arrival is exactly what the brand needed to gain momentum.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
