‘NISSAN TO RESIST SHARING CHAIRMAN’
Japan carmaker’s board will await governance committee report before making decision, says source
NISSAN Motor Co is unwilling to support an arrangement with its alliance partner Renault SA that will place the same person in the chairman’s role at both companies, as was the case under jailed former leader Carlos Ghosn, says a person familiar with the matter.
The Japanese company would resist appointing new Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard as its own chairman as well, said the person.
Nissan’s board plans to await a governance committee report before taking a final decision, said the source.
It’s the strongest sign yet of the challenges facing the Franco-Japanese partnership as the sides try to forge a fresh path without Ghosn.
Nissan is said to seek a review of the lopsided power structure, and chief executive officer Hiroto Saikawa has criticised Ghosn for having too much authority and making decisions that weren’t in the best interest of the Japanese company.
“Discussions on this topic will take place after the special committee for improving governance submits its recommendations, and after Senard has officially joined Nissan’s board,” Nissan said in a statement, declining further comment.
Renault also didn’t respond to requests for comment.
While Senard’s first contacts with Saikawa went well, Nissan opposes having him in the top role because it fears a conflict of interest, the person said.
Nissan shares fell 0.2 per cent in Tokyo trading yesterday, trimming the gains this year to 5.4 per cent.
The Japanese position is likely to be met with disappointment in Paris.