Carlos Ghosn, one the best-known leaders in the automotive industry, has announced that he will step as Nissan Motor's president and CEO, effective April 1. The hugely successful Mr Ghosn will remain the company as chairman to oversee a wider group carmakers that, addition to Nissan, includes France's Renault and Japan's Mitsubishi Motors. Ghosn told reporters: "I'm stepping as the CEO because it's the right moment and I have the right team. I think after 16 years CEO and 18 years taking care Nissan, I can say today that what I can bring Nissan, I have already brought." He added: "Nissan is profitable, financially healthy, a clear strategy."
Carlos Ghosn joined Nissan Chief Operating Officer (COO) 1999, after Renault purchased a stake the Japanese automaker. He became president 2000 and was named CEO the following year. He is credited turning Nissan producing attractive new cars and models and cutting costs. His cost-cutting strategies earned him the nickname "The Cost Killer". Following the turnaround Nissan, Fortune magazine awarded him Asia Businessman of the Year in 2002. A year later, the magazine named him one of the 10 most powerful people business the USA. He became a celebrity in Japan, where his life story has been depicted a manga comic book.
