FRANKLIN, Tenn. -

Nissan North America switched around some sales roles, as well as positions in business planning, parts and service in moves that became effective this past weekend.

The automaker tapped Richard Latek as regional vice president for Midwest region of the Nissan sales division. The OEM also appointed Walter Burchfield as director of business planning, parts and service.

In his new assignment, the company said Latek will report to Al Castignetti, vice president of the sales division for Nissan North America. Latek has been charged with being responsible for Nissan vehicle sales, customer satisfaction and market presence in a region that covers Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and parts of Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky, West Virginia, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

Since joining the company in 1990, Nissan highlighted Latek has grown his career through assignments in sales and marketing, most recently as director and chief marketing manager for Nissan with oversight for the brand’s Quest, Juke, Sentra, Versa and Cube models.

The manufacturer noted Latek succeeds Burchfield, who will oversee future product and program development, strategy and organizational development, along with financial controls for the company’s aftersales business.

Nissan indicated Burchfield will report to John Spoon, vice president, parts and service.

The company recapped Burchfield came to Nissan in 2007 after nearly 20 years at General Motors where his responsibilities included sales and marketing as well as assignments with the company’s captive finance arm GMAC.

“The selection of Rich and Wally for these roles showcases the strength of our sales and marketing leadership team,” stated Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan North America.

“Rich’s depth of experience, dealer relationships and command of the Nissan brand make him the perfect choice to head our Midwest sales operations, and Wally brings the skills and management capability we need to sustain growth and performance across our U.S. parts business,” Carolin added.