One of the automotive world’s most influential leaders is facing a probe into his finances and the sack this week.
Media reports from Japan say Nissan is preparing to fire Chairman Carlos Ghosn for allegedly grossly under-reporting his income and using corporate assets for personal use, and it is also planning to terminate the employment of fellow board member Greg Kelly, 62, as a director of human resources.
Ghosn is the boss of Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi and Kelly worked very closely with him.
Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa, 65, at a press conference said the board will meet thursday to discuss Ghosn’s dismissal and that of Kelly.
Japanese prosecutors have started questioning the men after a long under-cover operation, which is thought to have been instigated by a whistleblower.
Renault today said it was going to protect its interests and reputation in France as well.
Ghosn clashed with Emmanuel Macron when he was France’s finance minister and before he became French President because of the car executive’s salary.
Mitsubishi has said it’s also going to press for Ghosn’s removal as its boss.
Last year, Ghosn received £5.1M salary from Nissan, £6.6M from Renault and £1.6M from Mitsubishi. He has been credited with turning around Nissan and keeping Renault from collapsing while also saving Mitsubishi from going out of business.