Nissan’s Campbell Retiring as U.S. Design Head

Nissan North America Inc. announces Bruce Campbell is stepping down as vice president-design for Nissan Design America April 1.

Campbell, who has been with Nissan for 30 years, will be replaced by Alfonso Albaisa, who holds the same title at Nissan’s European design unit.

Albaisa also replaces Victor Nacif, vice president-design business aspect, at NDA. Nacif will assume Albaisa’s role as vice president-Nissan Design Europe.

Campbell started at Nissan in 1980, shaping design for the Gobi concept truck, “Hardbody” pickup, Maxima, Cocoon concept and Xterra SUV. Campbell also oversaw the design of the current Maxima sedan, Rogue cross/utility vehicle and 370Z sports car.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Bruce for his passionate contribution to Nissan Design during his 31-year tenure since the establishment of NDA,” Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer-design and brand management, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., and president, NDA, says in a statement.

“Although Bruce will be leaving NDA, he will continue to play a vital role as advisor for Nissan Global Design.”

Albaisa, a graduate of New York’s Pratt Institute, has been with Nissan since 1988, joining Nissan Design America, and working on the current Altima, Maxima and Rogue.

Albaisa spent time in Japan before he was shuttled to Nissan Design Europe in 2007.

Nacif, a graduate of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, joined NDA in 2004, having prior stints with PSA Peugeot Citroen and Ford Motor Co.