Nissan announced a major personnel change that could define the future appearance of the brand's models. On October 1, 2026, Alfonso Albaisa, who has led the design department for ten years, will step down as global design director. His successor will be Matthew Weaver, who has been with Nissan since 2001.
However, Albaisa will not leave the company immediately. Until the end of 2026, he will remain an advisor and help the new head with project handover and organizing the design team's work.
During his years at Nissan, Albaisa oversaw the creation of some of the most important modern Nissan and Infiniti models. Under his leadership, the Nissan Z, inspired by classic Datsun sports cars, and the Ariya electric crossover were developed. He also participated in the development of models such as the Infiniti QX50 and the Prototype 9 concept car.
Albaisa's appointment was a landmark event at the time: he was the first foreigner to head the global design of a Japanese automaker. His style was characterized by a combination of concise lines and expressive forms, thanks to which the latest Nissan models received a more modern and recognizable appearance.
The new head will also not have to start from scratch. Matthew Weaver is considered one of Nissan's most experienced designers. He is credited with creating the first generation Nissan Juke – a crossover that popularized unusual two-tier lighting, which later became one of the most common trends in modern SUV design. He also participated in the development of the European bestseller Qashqai.