Nissan is changing the leadership of its design organisation. Alfonso Albaisa steps down as Corporate Executive, Global Design on 1 October 2026 and retires at the end of the year, with Senior Design Director Matthew Weaver taking over the role. Weaver, a Nissan designer since 2001, will report directly to chief executive Ivan Espinosa.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has announced a change at the top of its design organisation, effective 1 October 2026. Alfonso Albaisa leaves the post of Corporate Executive, Global Design, and is succeeded by Matthew Weaver, currently Senior Design Director.
Albaisa steps down after shaping Nissan’s design identity
Albaisa will remain with the company as an advisor from 1 October until 31 December 2026, and will retire on that date. Nissan credits him with significant contributions to the development of its global design identity and with strengthening the reputation of its design work internationally, and the company thanks him for his leadership and dedication over his career.
Weaver moves up after 25 years at Nissan
Weaver joined Nissan in 2001 and has worked on the Qashqai, the Juke and other key models across Europe and Japan — two of the nameplates that have defined Nissan’s crossover business in Europe. According to the company, he brings broad leadership experience from across the global design organisation, including work on Infiniti, partnership projects and light commercial vehicle programmes.
In his new role he reports directly to chief executive Ivan Espinosa. Nissan has not said who takes over Weaver’s current position as Senior Design Director.
A handover that runs to the end of the year
Rather than a clean cut-off on 1 October, the two will work together through December 2026 to transfer responsibilities. Nissan says the overlap is intended to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity of operations — a signal that design programmes already in progress are meant to carry on without a pause.
What it means
Design leadership matters more than usual for Nissan right now. The company’s product identity has to carry across combustion, hybrid and electric models at the same time, and a design chief sets the visual direction years before the cars reach showrooms. Weaver’s background in the European crossovers that generate much of Nissan’s volume suggests continuity rather than a reset, although the company has made no statement about future styling direction.
The appointment takes effect on 1 October 2026.
Source: global.nissannews.com