Renault COO Interested in Heading Ford or GM

Carlos Tavares, chief operating officer of Renault SA, tells Bloomberg News that he'd like to lead another big carmaker such as Ford or General Motors.

Tavares, 55, says he's unlikely to succeed Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, 59, who is "here to stay."

Ford CEO Alan Mulally is 68 and might retire after next year. Mark Fields, who became COO in December, is considered a leading contender to succeed him. Ford tells Bloomberg that its preference is to promote from within, but that the company considers potential outside hires.

GM restructured the compensation of chief Dan Akerson, 64, this year to reflect the possibility he may retire within three years.

Akerson has mentioned several possible internal candidates who might replace him, including vice chairman Steve Girsky and product development chief Mary Barra. Analysts say North America president Mark Reuss and CFO Dan Ammann also are potential successors.