Season 3, Episode 46 - Sonia Rief - Nissan U.S. and Canada

Women Shifting Gears with Amanda Busick

Sonia Rief is vice president, Vehicle Connected Services & Program Management Office for Nissan U.S. and Canada. She was appointed to this position in March 2019. In this role, Rief is responsible for managing vehicle line profitability and leading Nissan’s Connected Services organization. Overseeing the Connected Service organization includes planning, delivery, marketing and operations for internal and external customer content.

Previously, Rief was director, Program Management Office at the Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and was responsible for vehicle line profit management of mid-size sedans, and compact and mid-size SUVs. Rief joined Nissan in 2001, progressing through roles of increasing responsibility within the Research and Development function, including a one-year assignment in Japan supporting the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Rief holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. She was also named one of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News in both 2015 and 2020.

Rief shares her life’s journey both personally and professionally with host Amanda Busick as well as her desire to help encourage women to push their boundaries and become comfortable with being uncomfortable.