Reports circulating in France suggest that Carlos Ghosn will soon be replaced as CEO and chairman of Renault. The ex-chairman of Nissan has recently been refused bail for a second time and faces months in detention ahead of trial in Japan on charges related to financial misconduct.
One positive for Ghosn has been that he has retained – at least nominally – his position as Renault chief, with Renault itself saying it could find no evidence, thus far, of wrongdoing.
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However, French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has reportedly told French news channel LCI that it was time for new leadership at Renault.
"We want a meeting of the Renault executive board in the next few days," Le Maire said. "We're asking for a new long-term leadership," he added, according to CNN.
The French state has a 15% stake in Renault and had backed the company's decision to allow Ghosn to retain his roles while awaiting trial. However, it now appears that position has shifted now that Ghosn faces a prolonged detention ahead of trial.
Le Maire reportedly said it was important to think of the hundreds of thousands of workers who need long-term leadership and that there would be 'several candidates'.
The Financial Times also reports that Paris officials have gone to Tokyo to discuss Ghosn's future with Nissan stakeholders in the context of his removal as Renault's CEO and chairman.
COO Thierry Bolloré – temporarily running Renault in Ghosn's enforced absence – is seen as a front-runner for the CEO post.
