Nissan Creates New Infiniti Organization; Igo to Exit

Nissan North America says Mark Igo, vice president-Infiniti sales, will leave the auto maker Jan. 1, part of a shakeup that has the auto maker setting up a new organization designed to maximize customer service and efficiencies in the luxury-vehicle market.

Called the Infiniti Business Unit, the new group will be headed by Ben Poore, currently vice president-Infiniti marketing. Poore will report to Brian Carolin, senior vice president-sales and marketing for NNA, and Akihiro Otomo, corporate vice president-Global Infiniti Business Unit and Infiniti Product Development Div. for parent Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.

Poore will oversee Infiniti’s operations in the U.S. and Canada and be responsible for strategic planning, dealers and its national and field sales and marketing organizations. He came to NNA in October 2007, following 13 years at Ford Motor Co.

Infiniti sales are down 6.5% through October in the U.S., a market that is off 14.6% overall.