YOKOHAMA — Nissan has named Lavanya Wadgaonkar to the global corporate communications GM role that was vacated by Amanda Groty last year, before being held by Takako Ohyabu for the past 12 months. 

Based in Japan, Wadgaonkar reports to Sadayuki Hamaguchi, Nissan's chief communications officer. She takes on the role after previously leading regional communications for Nissan Asia and Oceania from Bangkok. 

It is understood that Ohyabu, who joined Nissan from GE last year, has left the automaker.

Wadgaonkar will be responsible for strengthening Nissan' reputation through executive communication, issues and crisis management, corporate narrative and media relations globally.

Prior to joining Nissan India in 2012, Wadgaonkar held senior communications and marketing roles at Lexmark, Reliance and Eaton.

Nissan's communications function has seen numerous changes since Carlos Ghosn was removed as CEO one year ago. Travis Parman, who was global division GM of global communications for the automaker, relocated to the US earlier this year to become VP of North American and international communications and global engagement, amid a slew of appointments and departures.