Juan Wheeler Appointed Managing Director of Nissan South Africa

Nissan has announced the appointment of Juan Wheeler as Managing Director of Nissan South Africa, a role he will hold alongside his current position as Chief Financial Officer of Nissan Africa.

The decision was confirmed by Jordi Vila, Divisional Vice President Nissan Europe and President Nissan Africa, who described Wheeler as the ideal candidate to build on the company’s sixdecade legacy in South Africa.

Wheeler’s career began in the public sector as a State Accountant for South Africa’s Department of Foreign Affairs before moving into the automotive industry with Ford Motor Company. Over six years he gained extensive financial experience before joining Volvo in 2003 as Finance and Warranty Manager, where he was exposed to dealer operations.

His international career then expanded with Ford, taking him to Thailand, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam in senior finance roles, including responsibility for manufacturing operations and forward model planning. He later served as Sales Finance Manager for Ford in the Middle East, based in Dubai.

Returning to South Africa in 2018, Wheeler became CFO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, later Stellantis SA following the FCAPSA merger. In 2025, he joined Nissan Africa as CFO, bringing with him decades of global automotive expertise.

Mohamed Abd El Samad, Managing Director of Nissan Africa, praised Wheeler’s appointment, highlighting his broad experience across manufacturing, sales, and finance. Wheeler himself expressed deep gratitude, noting his personal connection to Nissan vehicles and the honour of leading the company in South Africa during its next chapter.

With this appointment, Nissan strengthens its leadership team, positioning itself to unlock further opportunities across the continent while reinforcing its commitment to the South African market.