Colin Dodge, the former managing director of Nissan’s Sunderland plant, has been awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his contribution to the UK automotive industry.
Dodge, who spent 23 years in the North East and now sits on Nissan’s board of directors in Japan, described the award as a tribute to every employee at the plant.
Having joined as paint shop manager in 1984, Dodge played a key role in the early development phase of the facility and in the launch of its first model – the Bluebird – in 1986.
Following a succession of rapid promotions within production, he became deputy managing director in 2000 and then managing director of the plant in 2003. In the same year he was promoted to senior vice president for manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain management and information systems for Nissan’s European operation. He left the North East in 2007 to head up Nissan’s overseas markets and China.
Last year Colin became executive vice president of Nissan Motor Co Ltd responsible for Africa, Middle East, India and European operations. He was appointed to Nissan’s Board of Directors in April 2010.
“I am delighted to receive this award as it recognises the hard work and professionalism of all Nissan employees in the UK throughout sales, design, development and manufacturing,” he said. “Their combined efforts ensure that the UK remains a strategically important country for Nissan in Europe, and I dedicate this award to them.”
