Nissan's Thompson Out; Ex-Ford's Poore In
September 26, 2007

Nissan’s Jan Thompson, one of the auto industry’s top female marketing executives, has resigned, under pressure. Ex-Ford marketer Ben Poore will replace her.

Thompson, well known in the automotive marketing community having worked at Nissan, Mazda and ad agencies handling other major automotive accounts, had been head of both Nissan and Infiniti advertising and marketing.

Her resignation comes as no surprise. Nor is Poore's departure from Ford a shocker.

Thompson Under Pressure

Industry observers have long speculated that Thompson would resign ever since Nissan moved its headquarters from Los Angeles to Nashville a year ago. Word was Thompson wasn’t thrilled with the Nashville move, though when asked by AutoObserver she put on the happy face, saying she loved the weather, her home and the golfing –- she’s an extremely accomplished golfer. Nashville, she noted, also is in close proximity to New York City, Mecca of the advertising and marketing world where she spent a good amount of time for work.

Thompson also has been under intense pressure from Nissan and Infiniti dealers, critical of the automaker’s advertising, and also from management for new product launches that have underachieved in terms of sales. And management has changed at Nissan North America in recent months.

Mark McNabb, who recently re-joined Nissan North America as senior vice president for sales and marketing, commended Thompson in a statement released by Nissan Tuesday night. "I would like to recognize Jan for her contributions to the company and wish her every success in the future," he said.

Thompson is credited with moving Nissan and Infiniti into new marketing venues such as viral ads, Internet and Podcast streaming and experiential marketing. She signed the Nissan Rogue as the exclusive sponsor for the NBC’s Heroes, a deal that also includes a host of other innovative features. Most recently she unveiled the new Infiniti EX crossover in exclusive women’s events across the country.

Nowhere for Poore at Ford

Poore leaving Ford is no shocker either. Only last week, Ford’s top marketing exec, Francisco (Cisco) Codina, announced his November 1 retirement, undoubtedly being nudged by upper management. Codina’s retirement paves the way for the hiring of a new chief marketing officer, almost assuredly from outside of Ford.

Poore worked for Codina. He most recently signed a deal with Mike Rowe of cable TV’s Dirty Jobs to promote Ford F-Series pickup trucks. Poore was not in the running for the top Ford marketing job. Instead, just-resigned Hyundai –- and former Nissan exec –- Steve Wilhite is rumored to be a candidate for the job.

Poore came up through the ranks through sales and marketing in the U.S., Central America and South America. Nissan’s McNabb noted Poore’s “extensive international automotive experience” was a plus.

Posted by Michelle Krebs at 5:51 AM under Ford , News , Personalities | Comments (0) | digg this | Seed Newsvine