Former Michelin Man Returns to Renault

Carlos Ghosn, former chief operating officer of Michelin North America, has been appointed as chief executive of Renault. The well-known executive, also known as “the cost killer,” is a celebrity in Japan due to the radical turnaround he led at Nissan.

“By having one common CEO, and particularly somebody who has been through the whole alliance, I can tell you I am convinced that respect for the different identities (of Nissan and Renault) is a must,” Mr Ghosn told Reuters. “So you’re going to see the same thing accelerated, more developed, much quicker decision-making at the level of synergies, but still different identities, and autonomy for the two companies,” he added.

After studying engineering, Mr Ghosn began his career at Michelin. In 1984 and 1985, he headed the research and development of earthmover and agricultural tyres in Ladoux, France. He then served four years as chief operating officer of Michelin’s South American activities based in Brazil. In 1990 he became chairman, president and chief executive of its North American arm, where he oversaw a restructuring after the acquisition of Uniroyal Goodrich. This restructuring included the assimilation of that company into Michelin North America and the development of a multi-brand strategy for the continent.