Nissan taps Gagan Mangal to steer India communications

Yokohama: Nissan Motor India has appointed Gagan Mangal as head of communications, drafting in a seasoned automotive communicator as it steps up its brand revival in a fiercely competitive market.

Effective January 12, Mangal is based in Gurugram and will lead communications for Nissan Motor India, reporting to Katherine Zachary, vice-president international communications, and working closely with Saurabh Vatsa, managing director of the India business.

Mangal joined from Volkswagen India, where he headed press and marketing communications. A management graduate with more than 18 years of experience, he has worked across corporate communications and marketing roles at major automotive manufacturers, including Volkswagen and Hyundai.

His career has been defined by integrated communications strategies spanning product launches, large-scale events and brand campaigns, alongside building strong national and regional media narratives.

Vatsa said Mangal’s appointment came at a pivotal moment as Nissan accelerated its brand resurgence and readied new product launches, adding that his grasp of the Indian media landscape would strengthen the company’s communications strategy.

Zachary echoed the sentiment, saying Mangal’s leadership would be critical as Nissan entered a new phase in India.

The mandate is clear. With products on the horizon and competition tightening, Nissan is betting on sharper storytelling, tighter media engagement and a louder voice.