Elite Nissan operators were honoured as part of a programme to elevate the customer experience in the Middle East.

Francis David and Saminda Gurusinha were among the chosen few crowned as ‘The Elite’ when Nissan Middle East announced the return of its highly anticipated Regional Skills Contest. The competition recognises and rewards employees for their outstanding talent and customer service over the past year.

Part of a larger global initiative, the regional contest underscores Nissan’s commitment to fostering customer centricity in its workforce and that of its partner network across the Middle East. Just 50 out of more than 820 employees from the eight regional markets in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Dubai, Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon qualified for the regional award ceremony, where they were presented the title of ‘The Elite’.

In a true display of harmonious synergy, the event also brought together both Nissan and INFINITI brands to co-host the annual competition for the first time. Honoring the best-performing employees across four categories, the 2023 Regional Skills Contest rewarded an ‘Elite’ group of Sales Consultants, Service Advisors, Parts Executives and Service Technicians.

The top three participants were recognised with prizes and trophies for their exceptional performance, with one ‘Elite’ winner per category. Two of the highest performing Service Technicians and Service Advisors from Nissan, and one from INFINITI in each category, also secured a trip to Japan to attend the Global Skills Contest Award in November.

Nassim Mourani, General Manager Automotive Group at Saleh A Hamad Al Mana Company, said: “Nissan and INFINITI take great pride in announcing the highly anticipated comeback of the Regional Skills Contest, a platform that honours a distinguished group of individuals showcasing the brands’ unwavering commitment to customer contentment. We are thrilled by the exceptional participants and victors hailing from Qatar, who truly embody the steadfast dedication displayed by our frontline talents throughout the Middle East. Through their efforts, customer experiences are elevated and a strong and enduring brand loyalty is nurtured.”

Competition entrants were evaluated on a comprehensive set of conditions that encompassed tangible and intangible skills, knowledge and processes. Each participant faced real-world scenarios, similar to those encountered in showrooms and service centres, and was required to complete a variety of tasks within a set time frame. From Qatar, the recipients of the honour were both technicians within the service department.

The Skills Contest, which is a global initiative and a test of competence, a measure of knowledge and a race against the clock, has been hosted by Nissan in the Middle East since 1997. Eligibility is based on successfully completing the entire training curriculum and accumulating a minimum of one year’s work experience at a dealership within the partner network. Technicians are also required to possess a minimum of NSTEP 2 qualifications. ✤

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