Vincent Gillet Appointed Global Marketing VP at Infiniti
Infiniti has named Vincent Gillet as its new Vice President of Marketing, with the experienced brand executive set to take up the Hong Kong-based role in September 2013.
Infiniti has appointed Vincent Gillet as its new global Vice President of Marketing, effective September 2013. Gillet, 41, will be based at Infiniti’s headquarters in Hong Kong and report directly to company president Johan de Nysschen.
Gillet’s background includes two decades of marketing and brand leadership across luxury sectors. He began his career with Chanel in 1993, later joining LVMH as Senior Brand Manager for Moët & Chandon in 2000. His experience then extended into the drinks industry, serving as Country Manager for Mumm Champagne in the UK and Global Brand Director for Stolichnaya vodka at Pernod Ricard.
In 2009, Gillet moved into hospitality, becoming Chief Marketing Officer at Six Senses Hotels & Spas. Most recently, he held the position of Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader for both W Hotels and Le Méridien at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. This broad experience with premium brands formed the basis for his recruitment to Infiniti, which is seeking to strengthen its global brand identity and challenge established premium automotive rivals.
Infiniti’s global repositioning effort
The appointment comes as Infiniti continues its push to establish itself as a credible alternative to established premium marques. With its headquarters relocated to Hong Kong and a new management structure under de Nysschen, Infiniti has set out to sharpen its brand image and expand its reach, particularly in growth markets across Asia and Europe.
Gillet’s role is expected to focus on refining Infiniti’s marketing strategy, drawing on his experience with high-end retail and hospitality brands to differentiate Infiniti from its German and Japanese competitors. The company has stated that his leadership will be key in developing Infiniti’s positioning and customer communications as it aims for a more distinctive presence in the premium segment.
What it means for Infiniti’s marketing direction
Infiniti’s decision to bring in a marketing executive with a background in luxury goods and hospitality signals an intent to emphasise brand experience and customer engagement, rather than relying solely on traditional automotive marketing. Gillet’s task will be to translate lessons from the luxury sector into the car business, helping Infiniti to stand out in a market dominated by established names.
The company has set ambitious targets for growth and brand recognition. Gillet’s appointment is a step in building the leadership team needed to support these objectives as Infiniti looks to expand its global footprint and challenge the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus in the years ahead.
