Nissan Leadership Rejig That Keeps External Directors Draws Ire

Nissan Motor Co.’s leadership reshuffle has drawn criticism for not going far enough, prompting some to wonder how serious the beleaguered Japanese carmaker is about fixing its finances and securing a partner that would ensure its future stability.

Nissan on Tuesday announced that Chief Executive Officer Makoto Uchida will step down at the end of March and be replaced on April 1 by Chief Planning Officer Ivan Espinosa. There were a smattering of other executive changes but Nissan kept its entire suite of external independent directors in tact.