- Position: Vice President, Communications, Nissan AMIEO
- Location: Paris, France
- Languages Spoken: English
PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Katherine Zachary leads all internal and external communications for Nissan across the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region, overseeing a team of communicators in more than 140 markets. Her mission is to modernise and digitise Nissan’s storytelling, leveraging new channels and tools to align with evolving trends. Katherine’s team supports sales objectives through integrated campaigns, delivering positive brand narratives, managing issues and crises, and strengthening relationships with top-tier journalists. She also directs C-suite communications for senior executives.
Katherine also Co-Chairs the AMIEO Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council, designed to drive an action-led approach toward fostering a fully inclusive and equitable environment, across all areas of the regional business.
Katherine’s career spans roles in Europe, Japan, and the US. Before her current role, she served as Global General Manager for Communications at the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, overseeing communications for the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Business Unit. Previously, Katherine was General Manager for Corporate Communications at Nissan Europe, where she led corporate, brand, and technology communications.
Katherine’s tenure at Nissan began in 2004 as Midwest Regional Manager for Corporate Communications in Detroit, later transitioning to Corporate & EV Communications at Nissan North America’s headquarters in Tennessee. Prior to joining Nissan, Katherine was an automotive journalist in Detroit.
Notable Achievements:
- Played a key role in the launch of the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF
- Guided Nissan’s communication strategy behind the launch of key electrified models and technologies in the region, including the 100% electric Nissan Ariya, Qashqai e‑POWER and JUKE Hybrid.
- Modernised communications strategies in the AMIEO region, elevating the perception and role of communications within the business
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
Katherine’s leadership is all about people, creativity, and connection. She’s passionate about building a collaborative culture where everyone feels empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the table. By championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Katherine ensures her team thrives in navigating the ever-changing communications landscape, using storytelling to create meaningful and lasting impact.
BEHIND THE TITLE
In her personal time, Katherine takes an interest in arts, culture and music, and is never without a few books on-the-go. She also enjoys cooking and (still) being a tourist in Paris. Passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience, Katherine also teaches International Communications to master’s degree students at La Sorbonne Nouvelle, a role she finds both rewarding and inspiring.
HISTORY
- 2020 - Present: Vice President, Communications – Nissan AMIEO
- Oversees internal and external communications for the region.
- Previous roles:
- 2018 - 2020: Global General Manager, Communications – Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance
- 2016 - 2018: General Manager, Corporate Communications – Nissan Europe
- 2004 - 2016: Various Roles – Nissan North America
- 1990s: Automotive Journalist – Detroit
EDUCATION
- 1990 - 1994: Bachelor of Journalism, Honors College, cum laude – University of Missouri-Columbia, US
- 2010 - 2011: Executive Management Programme – Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management, US
- 2023 -2024: Wharton Exec Management Programme – Wharton Executive Education, US