Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. announced Monday the hiring of an experienced automotive in-house attorney to become its executive vice president and general counsel.

A former in-house lawyer for Nissan North America Inc. and USA Truck Inc., Katherine Knight will oversee all legal services at Mitsubishi Motors and provide counsel on legal, risk, business and operational matters for the company. She will be based in the company's new headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, and reports to Mitsubishi Motors North America CEO Fred Diaz.

"Katherine is exactly the type of leader we are looking for as we reinvent every aspect of our business at Mitsubishi Motors," Diaz said in a press release. "With a background inside and outside the corporate world, she brings the blend of experience and passion for the craft that will both protect and promote MMNA going forward. We're excited to have her join the team."