Ghosn Steps Down as CEO at Nissan

Carlos Ghosn has turned over his role as CEO at Nissan Motor Co. to Hiroto Saikawa, who has been the company’s co-CEO since last October. The move will take effect on April 1.

Saikawa, 63, previously was Nissan’s chief competitive officer. He is a 40-year veteran at Nissan and member of Renault SA's board for the past 10 years.

Ghosn will continue as Nissan’s chairman. He also serves as chairman and CEO of Renault and chairman of Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Nissan acquired a controlling 34% stake in MMC last October.

The handoff comes as Nissan finishes the “Power 88” midterm business plan it announced in 2011. Saikawa will be responsible for developing the company’s new set of objectives.

Ghosn says he will continue to “supervise and guide” Nissan. But he expects to spend more time focused on the strategic and operational growth of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.