Ivan Espinosa has an impressive track record at Nissan. After joining the company in 2003 as a product manager in Nissan Mexico's planning division, he worked his way up to important roles within the organization.

Nissan Motor Co. named company insider Ivan Espinosa to replace Chief Executive Officer Makoto Uchida and helm the battered Japanese carmaker as it looks to secure a financial backer and stabilize its floundering business.

Chief Executive Makoto Uchida is stepping down, with Chief Planning Officer Ivan Espinosa taking the helm of the Japanese carmaker.