NASHVILLE, Tenn. -

Nissan announced Tuesday its new vice president of sales for the U.S.

Chosen for the position is Derrick Hatami, effective Jan. 13.

Hatami will report to Fred Diaz, senior vice president, sales and marketing and parts and service U.S.A.

In his new role, Hatami will lead the Nissan division team with the sales operations, vehicle operations, light commercial vehicle and fleet functions reporting directly to him.  

Hatami will be accountable for all facets of U.S. domestic sales activities including sales policies, objectives and initiatives with a focus on increasing revenue and profit generation for the Nissan brand and dealer network, according to Nissan.

Most recently, Hatami was the West Region General Manager at Hyundai, and prior to that role, he held a variety of sales and marketing leadership positions.

Hatami also spent time at both J.D. Power & Associates and Accenture.  

Commenting on the news, Diaz said, "Derrick has a strong track record for driving sales success, and we are eager to bring him on board at Nissan.

"As Nissan continues to celebrate a number of sales milestones, including our best calendar year ever in 2013, Derrick will be instrumental in working with all key Nissan stakeholder groups and dealers to increase sales and enhance their franchise value leveraging the onslaught of all-new products Nissan recently has introduced."