Even though Makoto Uchida hasn’t officially assumed his role as Nissan’s new CEO, the incoming boss hasn’t wasted time reassuring employees that his main focus will be restoring the business’ financial performance. “Nissan is on the right path for recovery … although it might be a gradual process,” he told workers on Friday.

Reuters shared details of the event, adding that Uchida expressed the importance of rebuilding trust with both the public and the greater Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. It’s no secret that the business relationship between the French and Japanese automakers has grown strained, leaving many wondering if the next CEO would attempt to run back into the strong arms of Renault or move the company further away. 

From Reuters:

Uchida said he was poised to use all his experience to turn the company around, which he stressed also “will include the building of alliance partnerships”.

In picking Uchida as the new global head of Nissan, the company’s board has chosen an executive known internally for close ties to top shareholder Renault and for a frank, straight-talking manner that has marked him as an outsider.

According to one long-time associate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Uchida is known for his unflagging work ethic and relentless focus on cost control. The source described Uchida as direct and to the point in conversations, a “foreigner with a Japanese face”.

Uchida’s placement was announced earlier this month, along with the naming of Ashwani Gupta as Mitsubishi’s chief operating officer and Nissan executive Jun Seki as vice chief operating officer. Uchida isn’t expected to take over until January 1st, at which time Nissan’s restructuring efforts will be in full effect. That includes the elimination of at least 12,500 positions by March 2023, as well as a 10-percent reduction in the automaker’s product lineup.

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