Nissan has announced that Matthew Weaver will replace Alfonso Albaisa as its global design chief, effective October 1. Albaisa, who has led Nissan's design team for 10 years, will step down but continue to serve as an adviser through 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
During his tenure, Albaisa oversaw the design of several significant Nissan and Infiniti projects, including the Nissan Z, which debuted in 2023 with a sleek, classically styled look that recalls the iconic Datsun sports cars. He also led the design of the Ariya electric SUV, which features a smooth, modern design.
Matthew Weaver, who has worked at Nissan since 2001, is known for his work on the first-generation Juke, which featured a polarizing front end with curves and creases. He also contributed to the design of the Qashqai, a compact SUV offered in Europe. Weaver previously led Nissan's European design team in London before shifting to the global design headquarters in Japan in 2025.
The transition comes at an interesting time for Nissan, which is gearing up to launch a range of new products to help reverse its fortunes in an increasingly competitive market. The designs of many of these models, from the new Skyline to the next-generation Xterra off-roader and the upcoming hybrid Rogue e-Power, are likely already set in stone. This means Weaver will be tasked with leading the design of the next generation of cars that could build upon the success of Nissan's soon-to-arrive replenished lineup.
Source: caranddriver.com
