Nissan GB appoints marketing chief from AutoTrader

Nissan GB has raided Auto Trader to appoint its new marketing director, Fiona Mackay, who will lead the car firm’s marketing transformation in the UK as it accelerates towards becoming an all-EV brand by 2030.

Mackay brings a wealth of experience leading large teams through complex organisational change across a variety of roles in product, brand and marketing, and finance.

Having started her automotive industry career as marketing manager of Toyota Financial Services, Mackay moved to general manager of marketing and customer services before taking on a digital role that also covered sister brand Lexus.

She then spent two years as marketing director at Nissan’s finance partner, RCI, before joining Auto Trader in 2020 as director of automotive finance.

In her new role, she will report to Nissan GB managing director Andrew Humberstone.

Mackay said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to join a really dynamic company that dares to do things differently and has ambitious plans for the future.

“The automotive industry is experiencing rapid evolution, whether that be in electrification, evolving consumer needs or digital transformation, so a chance to lead that change and positively influence people’s perceptions of electric vehicles with one of the market leaders is irresistible.”

The car marque uses a number of agencies for its marketing and advertising activity, including Artefact, TBWA, Dark Horses, Lucky Generals, Talon Outdoor and MG OMD.

Humberstone added: “I’m delighted to welcome Fiona to our team and look forward to working with her on a variety of exciting projects.

“Her combination of expertise and experience in automotive sales, marketing and the financial sectors will be a real asset to our organisation as we embrace the changes taking place in our industry and drive our business forwards to future success.”