Renault-Nissan seeks Ghosn successor to drive integration

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn is recruiting a new operational second-in-command for the automaking alliance, company sources informed Reuters, in a move created to prepare his own succession and advance the companies’ combination.

Under the strategy, the presently separate chief competitive officer (CCO) functions at Renault and Nissan would be merged into a single position at the 18-year-old alliance’s helm, the sources stated.

Nissan Chief Performance Officer Jose Munoz and CCO Yasuhiro Yamauchi are seen internally as strong options, they said, along with Stefan Mueller, Munoz’s equivalent at Renault.

Ghosn, 63, intends to fill the new post later on this year, backed by more actions to integrate Renault and Nissan production, research and development and other crucial activities.

“He’s currently preparing the next stage,” among individuals said. “The procedure is underway.”

A Renault-Nissan spokeswoman refused to comment.

Ghosn just recently stepped back from his role as Nissan CEO however remains CEO at Renault, where his agreement ends in 2018. He still works as chairman of both automakers along with Mitsubishi Motors, managed by Nissan through a 34 percent stake.

Ghosn has consistently tussled with Renault’s most significant shareholder, the French state, over the future of the business and its 44 percent stake in Nissan.