RIO DE JANEIRO--Nissan Europe communications director Fernando Menezes is returning to Brazil to head the automaker's comms operation in the key Latin American market.

Menezes returns to Brazil after spending two years as EMEA GM of Nissan's corporate and brand communications, based in Geneva. Before his European role, he worked at Nissan's global HQ in Japan for almost three years in senior comms roles.

Previously, Menezes spent seven years at Nissan Brazil. His return, says Nissan Brazil administration and finance VP Francois Dossa, is recognition of the growing importance of the world's fourth-largest automotive market to Nissan's global plans.

"Brazil is an important engine of growth in Latin America, and Fernando's communications leadership will help us tell our story of expansion and investment," said Dossa, adding that Nissan hopes to achieve five percent market share by 2016.

Menezes will lead communications efforts for the company and also be responsible for Nissan's Rio 2016 Olympics sponsorship. The company aims to launch eight new products in Brazil by 2016.

Menezes recently helped oversee Nissan EMEA's search for corporate communications agency support, which resulted in the appointment of Ketchum Pleon.