
Willcox, currently managing director at Nissan Motor GB, will take up the position of senior vice president, sales and marketing for Nissan in Europe from 1 July. He replaces Simon Thomas, who is leaving the manufacturer after 20 years to "pursue a career outside Nissan".
Willcox, who took up his current role in 2008, will be based out of the marque’s headquarters in Switzerland. A replacement UK managing director is yet to be appointed.
Colin Dodge, EVP and chairman of Nissan's Africa, Middle East, India and European operations, said: "Paul's appointment in Europe comes as we are making strong progress with our ambition to be the number one Japanese brand in the region."
Willcox joined Nissan from Peugeot in 1992, and has held a number of roles across sales, marketing and corporate planning in the UK and Europe.
He led the , as part of the company's promotion of its Leaf electric model.