YOKOHAMA, JAPAN — Nissan has hired former PayPal EMEA communications head Amanda Groty for a senior global communications role, amid a broader expansion of its communications leadership under chief communications officer Jonathan Adashek.

Groty joins Nissan as GM of global corporate communications after spending 10 months at PayPal. The former H+K Strategies executive's responsibilities include developing and delivering strategic messaging programs that support the company’s global reputation and key business objectives.

Sadayuki Hamaguchi, who was head of Nissan global corporate communications, becomes GM and head of Japan communications. In the US, meanwhile, David Reuter is elevated to VP of global communications operations after previously heading the North American function. Kristina Adamski is promoted to North American comms leader after serving as director of group communications.

Adashek also announced two senior external appointments, bolstering a function that has changed significantly since he joined the company from Microsoft in September 2015. Traci Carpenter, currently speechwriter at the Rockefeller Foundation and previously at the Clinton Foundation, has been appointed manager and speechwriter to Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Steven Silver, currently speechwriter for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is joining the company as manager of executive communications, responsible for developing communications opportunities for Nissan senior management.

"We are transforming communications at Nissan, reflecting the company’s wider ambition to drive innovation and achieve broader global reach in the auto industry," said Adashek. "Our latest appointments coincide with an ongoing transformation in global communications, designed to enhance the overall reputation of the company."

The company is also creating Centers of Excellence in areas including digital engagement, which will be led by Ian Rowley, currently deputy GM of the Nissan global media center. Another center will focus on campaigning and content and will be led by Dan Sloan, currently head of the Nissan media center.

Last month, Nissan restructured its EMEA communications team under VP Stuart Jackson, who joined the company after Adashek.