The state had already prepared the ground, and now it is taking another step. While Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault-Nissan, is still detained in Japan, where he is indicted including for concealment of income and breach of trust, Bruno Le Maire has clearly announced that it is time to think about his succession to the head of the French car manufacturer.
The "interests" of Renault above all. Sunday, in the JDD , the Minister of Economy does not go through four paths. "We have always said that if Carlos Ghosn was permanently prevented from running the company, we would have to put in place a new solid and sustainable governance, we are there," he said. And the boss of Bercy to clarify that the executive has "requested a meeting of the board of directors, which should be held in the coming days". The first shareholder of Renault (15%), the state thinks first "the interests of Renault and the alliance" with Nissan, says Bruno Le Maire. "A company of this size needs strong and stable governance."
Senard to take over? Who could take over next? The name of Jean-Dominique Senard, current president of Michelin, circulates. "It is up to the board of directors to study the proposals presented by the nominating committee", evacuates the Minister of the Economy. "The state shareholder will decide." But Jean-Dominique Senard seems to be an ideal candidate. He "has a recognized competence in the automotive sector", recognizes Bruno Le Maire. "At Michelin, he has demonstrated his ability to succeed at the head of a large industrial group and he has a social concept of the company to which I am personally attached".