Tributes have been paid to Sir Ian Gibson, a key Nissan executive in the early years of its 海角视频 operation who went on to have leadership roles at some of the country’s largest businesses.
Sir Ian, who has died at the age of 78, joined Nissan in 1984, having worked previously in the automotive industry for Ford. He was a key figure in establishing the firm’s Japanese workplace culture into its 海角视频 operations, and became the first non-Japanese board member at Nissan.
In his later business career he would become chair of Trinity Mirror, now Reach plc, the publisher of newspapers including the Mirror, the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo. He was chairman of supermarket chain Morrisons from 2008 to 2015, deputy chair of Asda and held directorships at companies including Greggs and Northern Rock.
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Sir Ian grew up in Manchester and joined Ford after graduating with a degree in applied physics from the city’s university. He worked in industrial relations and manufacturing management for Ford, with spells in the 海角视频, Spain and Germany.
He joined Nissan in 1984 as its Sunderland plant was starting operations. Initially head of the department responsible for purchasing and production control, he later became director of the Nissan European Technology Centre, managing director of Nissan Motor Ibérica and, in 1999, became managing director of Nissan Europe.
In that position, he oversaw Nissan’s push to grow its sales in Europe, using the Sunderland plant as its key production hub. He also played a key role in the formation of Nissan’s alliance with French car manufacturer Renault, which continues to this day.
In an interview with Nissan for its ‘legends’ series, he described his time at the company, saying: “I have many memories, both of good times and of difficult times. It was my family, my child, and at the same time it was like university.
“I hired many young people while working there. They are now in their forties and fifties and have assumed important positions in the company. Some have become board members. I’ve known them since they were young, so I feel like they are my children and I’m their father and they are like my family. I wish them even greater success.
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“I learned a great deal at Nissan. It was more like going to school every day rather than working in a company. There were tough times and good times.But everything was very challenging and I was able to deal with many issues in a positive way.”
Sir Ian retired from executive duties in 2000 and joined Nissan’s European supervisory board. By that time, he had also taken up a number of roles outside the company, serving as president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and becoming a member of court at the Bank of England. He also had non-executive roles at a number of prominent companies including GKN, Unipres, BPB, Trinity Mirror, Morrisons, Asda and Northern Rock.
He was awarded a CBE in 1990 for services to industry and in 1999 was knighted for his services to the motor industry. He was a fellow of the Institute of Physics and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), a former Governor of London Business School and Newcastle University and was awarded honorary degrees from the University of Sunderland and York St John University.
A Nissan spokesman said: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Ian Gibson. Sir Ian joined Nissan in 1984, shortly after the opening of the Sunderland plant. Over the years, he held several key positions both in Sunderland and across our European business, and in 1999 he made history as the first non-Japanese executive appointed to the board of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
“His contribution to our business over a period of many years was substantial. We extend our condolences to Sir Ian’s family and friends.”
He is survived by his wife Jane, his children from two previous marriages Janine, Sarah and Daniel and his five grandchildren Martha, Kitty, Ben, William and Cameron