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FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Nissan North America recently shifted an executive from within its Infiniti brand over to serve as vice president of marketing for its Nissan division. Taking on the role effective immediately is Jon Brancheau.

Most recently, the automaker highlighted Brancheau was director of global Infiniti marketing communications and media. In the position, he was responsible for the strategic development and execution of Infiniti's marketing communications, brand management and strategy on a global scale.

In his new role, the company indicated Brancheau will lead the Nissan brand's marketing activities in the United States, including marketing communications, C&I, pricing and product management.

"Jon Brancheau's work at Infiniti has demonstrated that he can effectively lead a marketing organization through a critical launch cycle," noted Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan North America.

"In addition to managing the development of Infiniti creative for all markets worldwide, Jon was also the key architect for the Infiniti G and M global marketing plans which today are resulting in great success for that brand," Carolin continued.

Nissan went on to mention Brancheau brings 26 years of automotive sales and marketing experience to his new assignment. He joined Nissan in 2008 from General Motors where he was director of media operations. Brancheau had oversight of the buying and planning of all media across the GM portfolio of brands.

Brancheau's career at GM began in 1984 within its Cadillac division. Following a variety of sales, service and marketing assignments with Cadillac, Brancheau joined Chevrolet as an assistant brand manager to launch GM's highest volume product, the Silverado.

Then in 1999, executives recounted that Brancheau was promoted to director of marketing for the automaker's service and parts organization, overseeing the GM Goodwrench and AC Delco brands. Four years later, GM appointed Brancheau as vice president of marketing for Saab Cars USA and subsequently promoted to director of marketing for Cadillac.

"I'm excited to lead Nissan's marketing team as we have the opportunity for sustainable and predictable growth based on the strength of our product," Brancheau emphasized.

"With the launch of the zero-emission Nissan Leaf we have the opportunity to positively impact consumers' lives and the perception of the Nissan brand," he continued.

Brancheau replaces Joel Ewanick, who spent only a short time with Nissan before leaving to take on the role as vice president of U.S. marketing at General Motors.