Nissan announced the resignation of its top sales and marketing executive, Mark McNabb, on Wednesday, February 12 to be effective April 1, citing "personal reasons" behind the decision.

McNabb, 47, served as senior vice president of sales and marketing, overseeing both the Nissan and Infiniti brands. Although the precise information was not made public, it is believed he will be working for one of the Detroit automakers.

Brian Carolin, currently the vice president for sales and marketing for Nissan Europe, will be assuming McNabb's position.

The chairman of Nissan's American management committee, Hiroto Saikawa, said in a statement, "We regret but respect Mark's decision to leave the company and thank him for his contributions over the previous 20 years to Nissan's success in North America."

Citing a "long working relationship with Brian Carolin," Saikawa added, "he will provide strong leadership and a smooth transition over the coming months."

Over the past six months Nissan has experienced what some dealers are referring to as a "revolving door," with the exit of marketing executive Jan Thompson, quality overseer Doug Betts, and chief of sales Bill Bosley.

McNabb initially joined Nissan in 1986, resigning in 2005 and ultimately taking a position with Mercedes-Benz USA where he became vice president of sales in January 2007. He returned to Nissan in March 2007, however and was promoted to his current position later that year.