9:10 am, February 23, 2017
CARLOS Ghosn has handed over his role as chief executive of Nissan to Hiroto Saikawa, the company’s co-chief executive.
Ghosn remains as chairman, though, and says he wishes to focus more on the recently expanded Renault-Nissan Alliance, which now includes Mitsubishi Motors. The new roles will take effect from April 1, 2017.
Ghosn stated: ‘I am confident that the management team I have developed at Nissan over the past 18 years has the talent and experience to meet the company’s operational and strategic goals. Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors, and taking into consideration the upcoming Nissan general shareholders’ meeting, I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan’s CEO.’
He continued: ‘As Nissan’s chairman, I will continue to supervise and guide the company, both independently and within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. This planned change will also allow me to devote more time and energy to managing the strategic and operational evolution and expansion of the alliance and ensuring that all its members benefit from the competitive advantages that its scale will deliver.
‘I am committed to supporting the alliance as it evolves and expands, and will continue to serve each member of the alliance wherever and whenever necessary.’
Saikawa joined Nissan in 1977 and has served in senior management positions since 1999. Between April 2013 and October 2016, he was Nissan’s chief competitive officer, before becoming co-CEO.
In addition to his responsibilities at Nissan, Saikawa is the current chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). He previously served as a member of the board of directors of Renault between 2006 and 2016.
Saikawa said: ‘I would like to thank Mr Ghosn and the Nissan board for entrusting me with this new responsibility. Under Mr Ghosn’s chairmanship and with the support of the excellent leadership team that has been built at Nissan, my focus will be delivering our company’s continued performance and development and on continuing Nissan’s contribution to the success of the alliance.’
MORE: Renault-Nissan Alliance reports strong sales growth for 2016
MORE: Nissan’s Sunderland pledge receives widespread praise
MORE: Nissan completes deal to buy 34 per cent of Mitsubishi Motors and adds it to global alliance
On SuperUnleaded.com: Nissan to start delivering cars through Amazon Prime
