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In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths interviews Craig Keeys to talk about his leadership style, impressive career journey, and how he’s leading INFINITI through industry changes as their Group Vice President for the Americas.

Starting in 1998 as a warehouse operator at Nissan, Craig’s early days were far from the glamorous start many imagine. Juggling afternoon shifts at Nissan’s parts distribution center while attending Rutgers University, he learned the true meaning of hard work. After graduation, Craig transitioned from a blue-collar role into sales and marketing, which sparked his passion for the industry and fueled his desire to explore its dynamic nature.

Craig’s early mentor, Mark Grimm, played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Mark’s belief in Craig’s potential gave him the confidence to overcome self-doubt and pursue opportunities. Today, Craig is committed to empowering others, championing diversity, and driving change in the automotive industry—evident in his recognition as the 2023 Automotive News Champion of Diversity.

He also dives into the industry’s shift toward electrification, sharing how INFINITI balances innovation with stability while maintaining an exceptional customer experience. He stresses the importance of maintaining stability for his team during such rapid change.

In a personal twist, Craig shares how his family is the driving force behind everything he does and even gives a glimpse into his morning routine and passions outside of work. He also points out that younger generations prioritize a balanced, stress-free life over pursuing paychecks. Craig believes that if leaders don't adjust their mindset to this change, they will struggle to attract the next wave of talent.

Tune in to hear insights into Craig’s journey to the top, the importance of authentic leadership, and how leaders can transform their organizations by embracing change and empowering others. If you want to make a real impact in the automotive world, this conversation is for you.

Themes discussed in this episode:

• The importance of staying true to one's values and being genuine in leadership roles
• How Craig’s early experiences and the mentorship he received shaped his approach to leadership
• The challenge of maintaining a consistent leadership style amidst varying top-down philosophies and industry changes
• How leadership styles have changed over time, particularly from command-and-control leadership to more genuine, empowering approaches that resonate today
• Infiniti’s approach to innovating both its products and its people strategies to lead industry change
• The importance of giving people the freedom and support they need to reach their full potential
• The role of self-reflection, especially through the lens of family, in understanding and adapting to the needs of younger generations

Featured guest: Craig Keeys

What he does: As Group Vice President for INFINITI Americas, Craig Keeys oversees the brand's operations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Israel. Since his appointment in April 2022, Craig has been focused on relaunching the INFINITI brand, placing a strong emphasis on strategic planning, marketing, and strengthening the retail network. He also prioritizes employee engagement, ensuring a motivated and high-performing team.

With over...