Nissan Saudi Arabia has named Bader El Houssami as its chief operating officer, effective 1 July, in an appointment aimed at bolstering Nissan sales in line with its medium-term plan for the market.
With a bachelor’s in business studies, specialised in marketing, from Beirut University College in his native Lebanon, 48-year-old El Houssami has a track record in the automotive industry as well as a wealth of experience in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Based in Jeddah, El Houssami will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business at a time when the Saudi market is coming to assume an ever greater significance within the context of Nissan’s regional operation.
He will report to Kalyana, Sivagnanam, Nissan’s regional vice president, marketing and sales in the Middle East, Africa and India, who notes: “We are delighted to have secured the services of Bader for Nissan here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Bader’s track record in the industry speaks for itself and we are confident that he will make a significant contribution to maintaining Nissan KSA on its current trajectory of continued sales growth, customer satisfaction and motivation within the workforce.
“His experience of managing people, combined with the breadth of his knowledge and hands-on experience within the industry made him the standout candidate for this challenging position.”
El Houssami gained much of his experience in both the Kingdom and the wider Gulf region working with General Motors, most recently as head of operations at MEBCO Middle East and Africa, a joint venture manufacturing batteries for GM’s AC Delco brand in Damman.
Previously he gained product retail knowledge and experience based in Dubai as the regional manager for GM’s vehicle sales in the Middle East, as well as in senior roles in parts, aftersales and servicing positions for a 360-degree view and understanding of the automotive industry.
El Houssami commented: “Joining Nissan in this position marks an exciting moment in both my professional career and personal life and I am looking forward to getting started in my new role.
“Nissan’s operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are complex and varied. My job will be to ensure that we continue to perform at the top of our game. However, my role will be helped by the fact that we have an outstanding product line-up, and one that I’m immensely proud to be associated with.”
