Previously general manager of the Nissan Africa Regional Office, Dando will oversee Nissan’s network of national sales offices and dealers in the 47 markets in Sub Saharan Africa where the multi-brand company now has an active presence including South Africa.
In his most recent role at Nissan, Dando’s deep knowledge of developing markets helped transform the Nissan sales and operations landscape across Africa.
Recent successes include playing a key role in the development of Nigeria’s automotive policy as well as supporting the establishment of a Nissan plant in Lagos in 2014. The Nigeria plant has created jobs, enhanced skills training, and assisted the development of the local supply chain.
Dando also spearheaded a change in Nissan’s regional sales distribution structure, replacing third-party agents with a direct dealer model in the company’s key right-hand markets of Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania.
“Nissan has a robust plan to continue building our brand in Africa, and Sub Saharan Africa is a key region for us,” Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan South Africa said. “We are delighted that Jim will lead the sales and operations effort for our Sub Saharan Africa business and are sure he will continue his track record of success.”
As Nissan extends its dealer network in Sub Saharan Africa, it will continue efforts to provide exemplary sales and aftersales service, as well as offer tailored vehicle finance options. Additionally, Nissan is partnering with prestigious global sporting events, such as the UEFA Champions League and International Cricket Council (ICC), to increase its brand awareness across the continent.
A motor industry veteran, Dando has over 40 years of automotive experience. He began his career with Ford Motor Company, gaining insights through retail experience at dealers. Following this, he added know-how and industry knowledge through positions of increasing responsibility at Alfa Romeo and Toyota.
Dando joined Nissan’s aftersales marketing division in 1999. In 2008, as head of Nissan SA exports Dando led the division’s expansion programme in Sub Saharan Africa by introducing a variety of globally-sourced Nissan vehicles through the Nissan Africa Regional Office (NARO). This complemented NARO’s pickup range, produced locally for export and already well-established in Sub Saharan African markets.
African Eye Report