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Nissan asking shareholders to vote to oust Ghosn as director

64 Comments
By YURI KAGEYAMA

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Abe, Macron arranging to meet at G20 to discuss Nissan-Renault alliance

Nov. 30, 2018

Gosh this story has been going a long time !

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Predictable outcome. These so called Shareholders are part of the Japanese OB network, regardless the Legal outcome, what's being asked for is a Favor from them, which will put Nissan in their debt for some future back payment arrangement. In essence, Nissan is weakened from now on, Renault should consider just pulling out and go it alone without their rot.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

since your not a prosecutor then your argument is just plain speculation. If prosecutors had mountains of concrete evidence to assure a guilty verdict in court why the need to detain Ghson for 108 days to try and force a confession which they never got. Irrefutable evidence = no confession required.

You are absolutely correct. In my experience working law in Japan, the vast majority of prosecutors lack the modern understanding of "investigation", and defense attorneys fail to pressure courts to require indisputable evidence in a reasonable time frame. These are key aspects that define the term "justice". However, in Japan the concept of evidence being undeniable is far reaching and unless it's a painfully obvious 'red-handed circumstance, hard to come by. This has created the mainstream process of obtaining a confession in place of the lacking evidence. The legitimacy of the confession is never questioned. Because who would fake a confession under extreme stress, right?

Let me just be clear about one thing before its brought up again, you can be held prisoner in a palace with all the lavishings and still have a breach of mental fortitude. The reason I'm state this is because I noticed that everyone is concerned with his living conditions while in detainment. I want to make sure it's clear that the processes of the investigation can be significantly more stressing and torturous than living in a dirty room deprived of food and water. The process is what brings about the confession. Japanese prosecutors and investigators have mastered the technique of squeezing a confession. But unfortunately it really only works best on someone who thinks in a more 'Japanese' manner. For a tenacious foreigner, not as much. Unfortunately, for my own protection I won't delve much more into this. However, I will finish by station that, in Japan, honesty and justice do not often go hand-in-hand. It's more of a battle witts to prove innocence of find guilt. Please keep in mind that the Japanese government was originally built on a system of corruption and dishonesty, and since change/difference is frowned upon in Japan, nothing really has.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Nissan needs to buy back at least 15% of shares from Renault. Foreign Motor Company shouldn't own more than 35%. Also the French Government was heavily involved in Renault management.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

And from what we can read in the newspaper, Mr Ghosn arguments are not very convincing to me, so i doubt they will convince the jury. 

Sadly, if the judicial system in Japan is not bad enough as it is, I don't think that there is a jury system in Japan for aledged fraud cases.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Ex_Res

yes you are right . Read my when as "if/when"

but the probability is very high. As you know, in Japan 99% of accused people end up with a "guilty" verdict.

And from what we can read in the newspaper, Mr Ghosn arguments are not very convincing to me, so i doubt they will convince the jury. That is just my opinion, but the odds are definitely stacked against Mr Ghosn even if his new lawyer has a very good track record.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

makes no sense to you now

and it will still make no sense to you when he gets sentenced.

If he gets sentenced, he has not had his trail yet.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@daito_hak

Of course the properties belong to Nissan (through an obscure subsidiary based in the Netherlands), and not to Ghosn. But he had the full private usage.

It seems you like the French TV. In French the name of such a crime is "ABUS DE BIEN SOCIAL"

I don't know the translation in English or in Japanese.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@daito_hak

makes no sense to you now

and it will still make no sense to you when he gets sentenced. I bet it doesn't make sense at all for Mr Ghosn as well. He thought he was doing the same as all other CEOs and it would be ok for him.

But I can ensure you that for most other people it does make a whole lot of sense

Funny to see so many Ghosn supporters trolling here. If you go into the comment sections in other international news site, in France for example, the tone is largely different from here...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Daito_hak:

David Cameron campaigning for remain:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bWBKsZPtAKQ

Apparently limited to one link, but there are many.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It's so funny. Do we defend the man, do we defend the company? It's amazing that Nissons legal team, accounts section didn't apparently do there jobs? Prosecutors couldn't get a confession....it really doesn't look like anybody thought this through.

Oh, Saikawa thought it through alright, and it just has'nt works out the way he thought it would.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This has everything to do with the Japanese government hating that a foreigner took the CEO role at Nissan

If the Japanese govt hated a foreigner for CEO role, why was Ghosn CEO for so long?  There are other foreigner CEO in Japan.  Are there any Japanese CEO for big American company in USA?

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

in viewing all comments until now regarding this case, so saikawa was a yes, man too ???. Are all Japanese employees like this in Japan ???. I do not think so.............if all employees are like this, saikawa will not be doing this action, which is only he is to benefit . Try saying from all on board the 3 joint ventures...........Stop wasting time & money and showing yr face to saikawa. Lets see if he will stops ???.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

TigertokyoDome

Additionally, another identical story to the Nissan fiasco, would be Volkswagen buying a large stake in Suzuki, the CEO and founder was furious a foreign company would buy into Suzuki and did everything he could to ouster and deminish the stocks by devaluing Suzuki shares to eventually buy back its own shares and force VW to sell the remaining shares back to them. So the whole Nissan/Saikawa villain story is not something new here and happens often in a lot of industries too.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Wouldn’t it be funny if the board elects to keep him? Then what happens?

I would love that to happen.

But one way or another, it's not working out too well for Saikawa. It's just not going away is it!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

At the time Fujitv CEO was similar to Saikawa of Nissan, after Horiemons company Livedoor bought a large stake in Fujitv, the CEO had no interest in a young rebel CEO coming near a old tv station. SO he did everything in his power and with the establishment, Keinandren to destroy Horiemon, Livedoor and eventually buy out Livedoor and sell it for scraps. A lot of stories of it if you google it or watch old youtube clips on it.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

TigertokyoDome

Yep, though Horiemon of FujiTv went to jail, but weirdly enough, when his time was in jail, he was given the rebel rockstar treatment in a sense, now he constantly sells books, made some new app company, Livedoor is sold to a Chinese company now.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I believe the term "farce" sums up this fiasco.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

This has nothing to do with Japan hating Mr Ghosn and all to do with Mr Ghosn misdeeds everywhere he went.

This has everything to do with the Japanese government hating that a foreigner took the CEO role at Nissan and wanting him on the street when the Renault takeover loomed. Read the news, even today. Misdeeds everywhere by Japanese corporations yet no jail time if you are Japanese and part of the establishment.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

non-sense to you. LOL I doubt the jury will think the same than you do.

Yeah well the first thing that you should do is to learn to read properly. That's not what I think. What I am reporting here is what Ghosn's lawyer has told last week to the French media (on TV on the channel France 5). He has access to the files, you don't, right? So that makes him infinity more credible than you are. What he made extremely clear is that the so called "fancy homes" are owned by Nissan, Ghosn is not the owner of those house therefore he can't be accused of using company money to buy them. 

He could use company money to buy properties for his private use because he was the all-powerful CEO surrounded by yes-men. 

Nope see above. 

Because you either say yes - or you lose your bonus, your pay raise, your position, and/or your job.

Makes no sense....

Nobody else in the company ever used those properties, Mr Ghosn brought a lot of his own belongings, made expensive renovation work inside, and those properties were in non-strategic locations for the company (but of high personal interest to Mr Ghosn, in Brazil and Lebanon his 2 home countries), and it could not have an investment value for the company as well given the price paid.

Makes no sense. In fact those houses are accommodation provided by Nissan itself. Again according to Ghosn's layers who has access to the documents.

This is an advantage in nature and should have been disclosed as part of his income, both to Nissan shareholders in the annual reported as it is mandatory to report director's full income, and to the relevant tax authorities.

Ridiculous statement as you are not in the position to judge anyone from you were sit. You have no credibility to do that, zero, none. Also Nissan accounting is checked by an external audit company which makes it hardly to believe that Nissan was not aware of the agreements with Ghosh regarding bonus or other payments. And for the 100th time, the tax authorities have nothing to with anything here since the whole story has nothing to do with taxing. The money that Nissan accuses Ghosn to underreport to the Japanese security exchange commission was never paid to Ghosn. Plus the money could only be granted to Ghosts once he retires from Nissan only and only if he accepts not to work for a competitor.

We see a lot of people going to prison for stealing a few apples in supermarkets as well.

Ah yeah but we did not see the Japanese executives at Toshiba, Olympus, Tepco, the Japanese government, Takata, Toyo Tires, Kaketsuken, Kimura Construction, KYB Corp , Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, Hitachi Chemical Co., Kobe Steel Ltd, Green Cross Corporation, etc, etc for massive financial, data falsification and cover ups and medical sandals. 

In France, a preliminary investigation has just been opened and he might be charged as well in a near future.

No the investigation in France has nothing to do with what he is accused in Japan. In fact the investigation is a normal procedure, it's not a surprise and it is about a wedding in Versailles for which the rent of the place was not properly paid by Ghosh but was charged on Renault. Not all the wedding, only the rent of the space at Versailles. Whether there is anything that will require a prosecution, that the aim of the investigation ro clarify that. Fro the moment, there does not seem to be a real legal issue here though.

 This has nothing to do with Japan hating Mr Ghosn

Yeah yeah, humiliating and putting him jail for three months for weak charges without the possibly to defend himself, yeah yeah.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Cricky

Of course Ghosn didn't confess, as it would 100% mean a long sentence in jail while now he still has a very slim chance of avoiding this fate. If you are convicted of anything in this country i recommend you not to confess and not sign any paper.

Regarding your question about what happened at Nissan, If your boss tells you to sign some piece of paper, or you will get fired, (he might not say it directly but you get the message) what would YOU do ?

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

@wtfjapan

i do agree that Ghosn shouldn't have spent 108 days in jail. The Japanese judicial system is archaic.

That doesn't make Mr Ghosn innocent. It is very likely Mr Ghosn will be found guilty. Maybe not on all counts because he was operating in gray areas, it will be difficult to PROVE some things in front of a jury, but there are so many counts, he would be very lucky to get the walk-out-of-jail free card.

Why did the prosecutors want a confession from Mr Ghosn ? because thats what they do with every one accused of anything of this country. This is not personal against Mr Ghosn. You may not like the way justice work in this country. Many of us don't, and I don't like it either. But again, the prosecutors attitude is a very weak argument for arguing that Mr Ghosn is innocent.

In France, a preliminary investigation has just been opened and he might be charged as well in a near future. This has nothing to do with Japan hating Mr Ghosn and all to do with Mr Ghosn misdeeds everywhere he went.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

It's so funny. Do we defend the man, do we defend the company? It's amazing that Nissons legal team, accounts section didn't apparently do there jobs? Prosecutors couldn't get a confession....it really doesn't look like anybody thought this through.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Wouldn’t it be funny if the board elects to keep him? Then what happens?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

but it is a weak argument to believe Ghosn shouldn't and won't be declared guilty.

since your not a prosecutor then your argument is just plain speculation. If prosecutors had mountains of concrete evidence to assure a guilty verdict in court why the need to detain Ghson for 108 days to try and force a confession which they never got. Irrefutable evidence = no confession required.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Why are 90% of comments pro-Ghosn 

not actually pro ghosn just pro democratic process of innocent until proven guilty. Only a judge or jury has the power to rule Ghosn guilty or not, everything else is speculation and innuendo, Ghosn trial hasnt even started yet people are already convinced hes guilty. If concrete evidence is shown in court of Ghosns guilt he can rot in jail for all I care, but if hes acquitted or the case is dropped by the prosecutors there are going to be an awful lot of people with egg on their faces, and a large damages claim by Ghosn against Nissan

6 ( +7 / -1 )

many comments saying something like, Ghosn only took a little bit of money, he made billions for the company, it is normal, all other CEOs do the same and they are not in prison.

It does seem the judges are not doing their job in other cases, but it is a weak argument to believe Ghosn shouldn't and won't be declared guilty. He stole millions to the company and the tax office, - misled investors and perhaps more importantly breached their trust. We see a lot of people going to prison for stealing a few apples in supermarkets as well.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

@Daito-hak

"

The notice did not give specifics, but sources familiar with the investigation have pointed to fancy homes in Lebanon and Brazil, as well as expensive furnishings such as a chandelier.

I am sorry but this is disinformation. Ghosn's French lawyer has indicated to the French media that those accusations are baseless. For the simple reason that those homes are actually 100% owned by Nissan not Ghosn. So the question is how can be accused to have used company money to buy personal properties that are actually fully owned by Nissan? This accusation seems just complete nonsense.

"

non-sense to you. LOL I doubt the jury will think the same than you do.

He could use company money to buy properties for his private use because he was the all-powerful CEO surrounded by yes-men. Because you either say yes - or you lose your bonus, your pay raise, your position, and/or your job.

Nobody else in the company ever used those properties, Mr Ghosn brought a lot of his own belongings, made expensive renovation work inside, and those properties were in non-strategic locations for the company (but of high personal interest to Mr Ghosn, in Brazil and Lebanon his 2 home countries), and it could not have an investment value for the company as well given the price paid.

This is an advantage in nature and should have been disclosed as part of his income, both to Nissan shareholders in the annual reported as it is mandatory to report director's full income, and to the relevant tax authorities.

TLDR Mr Ghosn is in trouble and he knows it, thats why you don't see any photos of him smiling even he is out.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Seriously it is normal that Shareholders oust Ghosn ? Is there any single company in the world who, given the choice, would like to have a CEO which has been indicted, is facing criminal charges which could mean 10 years in jail ?

He also 108 days in prison, the company could run without him. He lost track of what is going on in the company and Saikawa took control of everything, putting his own men everywhere. Even for Ghosn supporters it is not realistic to put him back in charge. He should focus on preparing his defense and fully enjoying his time out with his loved ones before he serves time.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

It is such a pity in Japan that Japanese people do not see the main objectives of a company , there is a saying by Steve jobs, In a weak company , politics wins , In a strong company track records of huge life-saving objectives wins. Look at Nissan, the above quote says everything. The share-holders should consider that from now , 5 most important points. 1). For the next 3 years, Nissan may make sales but it was the past work done by Carlos Ghosn.2). Up till to-day, no details of personal usage of money was actually shown to the public. 3). saikawa had all the time been the person that is wasting company's time and precious resources to get rid of Carlos Ghosn because he was going to get fired. 4). Asking share-holders to vote to get rid of Carlos Ghosn serve nobody except saikawa because he is afraid that in the trial ,all his saikawa dirty part will come out , therefore, he had to destroy Carlos Ghosn charactors first. 5). It had become clear that saikawa is the back-stabber in this case and he had lose the support of all wise people around him inside his company that he has to ask share-holders to vote because this is all, he has left. But this method is against the law. Votes are suppose to be fair and not one sided. Any one sided vote is never good for business. Any wise share-holders know that. Nissan share-holders if all of U are looking to a better future for Nissan when the world is looking , pls be wise.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I wouldn’t buy a car from a company headed by a suspected serious criminal. But I do own a Mitsubishi. I will throw it away. Don’t like corruption.

I agree. I will not buy a Nissan or Mitsubishi again. And I don't like Pearl Harbour tactics either.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Sorry, corrected link: https://www.nissan-global.com/COMMON/DOCS/IR/2019/Jan/Nissan_Sales_201901.pdf

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Indeed Saikawa's smug attitude on the photo is hard to take. He won the game with Ghosn, manoeuvred him out before he got sacked for underperforming. But the current Nissan numbers tell the real story. Saikawa will soon fall into the trap of his own making: https://www.nissanglobal.com/COMMON/DOCS/IR/2019/Jan/Nissan_Sales_201901.pdf

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Yep as TigersTokyoDome pointed out, this goes all the way up beyond to politics and gov involvement to ouster the foreign alliance.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I would be glorious if the shareholders said no though!

7 ( +8 / -1 )

asking them to dismiss former Chairman Carlos Ghosn as a director at an April 8 shareholders' meeting, the company said Wednesday.

The notice, signed by Nissan President Hiroto Saikawa, will be sent out Thursday, Nissan Motor Co said.

What kind of leader sends out notices like that? It's truly shogun era politics, he has a clear agenda, soon he'll destroy the alliance, that's plan B

5 ( +8 / -3 )

The notice says the agenda also includes the election of Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard as a Nissan director, on the condition that Ghosn is ousted.

That French guy is just a lap dog that will say hai hai to everything, he and Saikawa are no leaders but muppets and salarymen with zero business vision, thats why Nissan sales tanked and their shareprice, good luck at bankruptacy

5 ( +7 / -2 )

The british govt (cabinet) campaigned for remain in the EU during the EU referendum a few years ago. In Switzerland, the govt (council) campaigns for or against referenda that occur much more often. As to if you feel okay with that, that is a different story.

Again total nonsense.

You don't understand what a campaign is. It represents an organized course of action to achieve a particular goal. Which means that different parties expose their ideas and views to the public so that everyone can freely vote knowing as much as possible in order to make a self opinion. Making a campaign does not equal saying who or what to vote for. The fact that you are confusing this is literally baffling....

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The new 'Acrobat' logo is quite appropriate for the company, with all the juggling and jumping through hoops that they have done to oust Ghosn.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

"You are even saying something completely insane by pretending that it would be ok that a government ask citizens who or what to vote for."

The british govt (cabinet) campaigned for remain in the EU during the EU referendum a few years ago. In Switzerland, the govt (council) campaigns for or against referenda that occur much more often. As to if you feel okay with that, that is a different story.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The cart and carrot is waaay before the horse here. Ghosn has still not been found guilty and I think it is very un-democratic to influence voters on how to vote. Then again, Japan constantly proves that democracy never caught on within its shores so you would be a fool to expect democratic decency in Japan.

Regardless of whether he is guilty or innocent, business operations need to resume and you can’t Senard to put his best foot forward if he is only temporary.

I'm pretty sure business is continuing on just fine. The workers in the factory are still building, and the dealerships are still selling. The only thing left unfinished is deciding what executives get fat bonuses...

5 ( +7 / -2 )

I vote to oust Saikawa.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Not really. If you see the shareholders as the citizens of the Nissan-Renault-whatever, then its like the prime minister, cabinet, and parliament asking you to vote leave...Ghosn. If you see the shareholders as the parliament of the company and the board as its prime minister and cabinet, then its like the prime minister appealing to MPs to vote her way...without a strong opposition leader to make a counterpoint.

Absolute nonsense. You are even saying something completely insane by pretending that it would be ok that a government ask citizens who or what to vote for. Do you realize the absurdity of what you are saying?

The fact that Nissan is giving instructions to shareholders on what to vote for is disgusting, plain and simple. A vote must follow legal rules, no external pressure on the voting parties is acceptable otherwise this is not a legitimate vote. Again this whole story just shows how flawed Japan is regarding to the respect of the rule of law. Saikawa is a perfect image of the people who rule Japan. A bunch of mafia-like behaving old dudes that have zero respect to democracy, law and justice.

The notice did not give specifics, but sources familiar with the investigation have pointed to fancy homes in Lebanon and Brazil, as well as expensive furnishings such as a chandelier.

I am sorry but this is disinformation. Ghosn's French lawyer has indicated to the French media that those accusations are baseless. For the simple reason that those homes are actually 100% owned by Nissan not Ghosn. So the question is how can be accused to have used company money to buy personal properties that are actually fully owned by Nissan? This accusation seems just complete nonsense.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

If you ask me..... asking shareholders now, before a verdict is handed down regarding Ghosn's guilt or non-guilt, is disingenuous. If Nissan said they should wait until the verdict is read before they decide, I'd trust them a lot more.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

So as a shareholder, even though it may not be the ‘right’ thing to do ( once again at least give him a chance to state his case you mugs! ) it would be prudent to remove Ghosn for the simple damage control reason. For their bottom lines. I guess this is how the world works. The moral imperative takes a sideline to the economic realities. The smug look on Saikawas face in this picture, although no doubt chosen for effect, may have a few of the shareholders questioning themselves on a deep level about which way to cast their stone. What a story ay? Like a Greek tragedy, it has it all!

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Disillusioned:

Not really. If you see the shareholders as the citizens of the Nissan-Renault-whatever, then its like the prime minister, cabinet, and parliament asking you to vote leave...Ghosn. If you see the shareholders as the parliament of the company and the board as its prime minister and cabinet, then its like the prime minister appealing to MPs to vote her way...without a strong opposition leader to make a counterpoint.

Brings me to a thought. Would it be better for companies to have political parties related to company and not the country (e.g. R&D Party, Worker Pay Party, New Investor Party, Environment Cleanup & Community Party)? When a flyer goes out for elections, I know which party to vote for as opposed to everyone running as unaccountable independents. A board member would have a party that holds its members feet to the fire, preventing personal corruption and embezzlement. Further, if a 30 member board or higher elected a prime minister and cabinet (executive committee) from within itself, then the party, the board, and the cabinet all have the power to remove an executive.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Interesting to see Greg Kelly's name rise up again.

I would imagine Ghosn will be removed and it is probably the right call.

Regardless of his guilt or innocence there is too much distraction for him to do his job properly and also he cannot do his job properly due to all the restrictions put on him. These are simple facts despite how anyone feels about the issue.

I still agree with other posters. The way the case was handled and the method of and length of detention is abhorrent.

As I have always said; They seem very confident he is guilty so if this is the case have a trial and get it over with. If he is, in fact guilty of a crime, then he should serve the time.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

If he can't be in contact with shareholders to plead his case, then the court should prevent Nissan and its shareholders from "tampering with evidence" (voting him out) until he has been tried.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

This whole Nissan thing certainly is a textbook example of the japan inc at its worst, or is it.....

7 ( +9 / -2 )

I wouldn’t buy a car from a company headed by a suspected serious criminal. But I do own a Mitsubishi. I will throw it away. Don’t like corruption.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Saikawa really is a snake of the highest order, may Nissan be the failure it deserves to be.

I couldn't agree more. It is also heartening to see news outside of Japan start to understand what's going on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FVc-6U6CDk

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Nissan asking shareholders to vote to oust Ghosn as director

Isn't it illegal to tell people which way to vote? Voting is a democratic practice that gives people a choice. People should not be told what or who to vote for. I'm sure there are many shareholders who support Ghosn. After all, he is the one responsible for making their shares profitable. When Ghosn took over they couldn't give Nissan shares away. This whole Ghosn fiasco seems to involve a lot of underhanded scheming. The only thing Ghosn is guilty of is, making too much money from a company he brought back from the brink of bankruptcy. This whole scenario should have been dealt with by Nissan internally. He should never have been arrested in the first place.

9 ( +14 / -5 )

Justice would be sweet if Saikawa is the one chosen to take the fall for Nissan. Seems that plenty of people here in Japan have conveniently forgotten in all the noise about Ghosn is that Nissan, as a company, has been charged as well in this scandal.

Someone from within the company is going to have to fall on their sword.

Or the judges will just state it was a failure of the "entire" company and slap them with a fine!

9 ( +13 / -4 )

Woooh, Gosn bought an expensive chandelier, 3 years jail !

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Saikawa really is a snake of the highest order, may Nissan be the failure it deserves to be.

17 ( +22 / -5 )

Japanese automaker Nissan is sending out notices to shareholders asking them to dismiss former Chairman Carlos Ghosn as a director 

Finally Saikawa's true intention is revealed!

12 ( +17 / -5 )

Not an unexpected move, and removing him also takes away any potential access to inside the company.

But I'll bet he is a shareholder as well, and until he divests his interests in the company he will still have a voice from that stand point.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

It only makes sense to vote to remove Ghosn. Regardless of whether he is guilty or innocent, business operations need to resume and you can’t Senard to put his best foot forward if he is only temporary.

Furthermore, there is no way of knowing when Ghosn current ordeal will wrap up and whether the Japanese courts would ever allow him to perform any type of operations.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

The notice says the agenda also includes the election of Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard as a Nissan director, on the condition that Ghosn is ousted.

Given that Senard's appointment is conditional on Ghosn being ousted, it is pretty obvious that Renault, as Nissan's largest shareholder, will vote in support of Ghosn's ouster.

Clearly Nissan's J management knew exactly what they were doing in linking the two together to ensure Renault supports Ghosn's ouster as a director.

BTW, is it just me or does Saikawa loo particularly smug in the picture above the article?! He looks like a pompous snake who has accomplished what he set out to do --- to rid Nissan of foreigners in senior management and to prevent a further integration of Nissan into Renault.

11 ( +15 / -4 )

On a criminal charge of misusing company funds he has to go. But even with the Olympus case, the foreigner that uncovered fraudulent behaviour was booted out by shareholders by a massive majority.

The only question is whether Renault votes for him but that seems unlikely.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

"Ghosn, who was arrested in November, has been charged with falsifying financial reports in under-reporting his compensation, and breach of trust in having Nissan shoulder investment losses and making payments."

Ghosn isn't a criminal, at most he did some wrong doings. His experiences may still needed for Nissan.

-2 ( +9 / -11 )

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