He joined Nissan in April 1978. He started his career as engineer in Body Design and then moved to Corporate Planning and Product Planning.

In January 2000, he joined the Program Director department as Program Director for SUV line up and become a member of Nissan’s North America Management Committee. In April 2002, he was in charge of establishing Nissan operations in China and in July 2003 he was appointed President, Dongfeng Motor Company Co, Ltd., Nissan's joint venture partnership in China. 

Since May 5, 2008, Katsumi Nakamura is appointed Executive Vice President, Chairman of Asia-Africa Region. He is a member of the Renault Group Executive Committee (CEG).