Carlos Ghosn
Born 1954 · Age 71
Brazilian-born, Lebanese-French global automotive executive who led Michelin, Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi; credited with turning around Nissan (Nissan Revival Plan), led the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance; later arrested in Japan (2018) and escaped to Lebanon (2019).
Compare Your Trajectory
See how your career milestones stack up against Carlos Ghosn and other industry leaders.
Life & Career Timeline
Born in Porto Velho, Brazil
Carlos Ghosn born in Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil to Lebanese immigrant family.
Family moved to Rio de Janeiro (childhood)
Around age two his mother moved with him to Rio after he became ill from unsanitary water.
Moved to Beirut and began schooling
At about age six Ghosn moved with his mother and sister to Beirut where his grandmother lived; later attended Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour (Jesuit secondary school).
Graduated École Polytechnique (engineering)
Completed engineering degree at France's École Polytechnique.
Graduated École des Mines de Paris (engineering)
Completed engineering degree at École des Mines de Paris.
Joined Michelin (first professional job)
Began professional career at Michelin as management trainee; worked across plants in France and Germany.
Appointed plant manager, Le Puy-en-Velay (Michelin)
Named plant manager in Le Puy-en-Velay, France.
Marriage to Rita Kordahi
Married Rita Kordahi (reported as 1984); couple later had four children (Caroline, Nadine, Maya, Anthony). Divorced in 2012.
Head of R&D, industrial tyre division (Michelin)
Named head of research & development for Michelin's industrial tyre division.
Appointed COO, Michelin South America
At ~30–31 appointed chief operating officer of Michelin's South American operations and moved to Rio de Janeiro to turn the business around.
Turned Michelin South America profitable
Under Ghosn's cross-functional reforms the South American division returned to profitability within two years.
Appointed President & COO, Michelin North America
Named president and chief operating officer of Michelin North America; relocated to Greenville, South Carolina.
Promoted to CEO, Michelin North America
Became CEO of Michelin North America and oversaw restructuring following Uniroyal Goodrich acquisition.
Joined Renault as Executive Vice President
Became Renault EVP in charge of purchasing, R&D, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing; also oversight of Renault South America (Mercosur).
Led radical restructuring at Renault
Implemented major restructuring at Renault contributing to improved profitability by 1997.
Renault–Nissan Alliance formed
Renault and Nissan formed the Renault–Nissan Alliance (March 1999), setting stage for cross-shareholdings and Ghosn's move to Nissan.
Renault acquired major stake in Nissan (36.8%)
Renault purchased a significant stake in Nissan (reported here as 36.8%) enabling Alliance governance changes.
Joined Nissan as Chief Operating Officer (COO)
While retaining Renault roles, Ghosn moved to Japan and joined Nissan as COO to lead the turnaround.
Announced the 'Nissan Revival Plan'
Launched a dramatic multi-year restructuring (cut 21,000 jobs, close 5 plants, sell assets) to restore profitability and reduce >$20B debt.
Nissan returned to profitability (FY2000)
Nissan reported consolidated net profit after tax of $2.7 billion for fiscal year 2000, reversing prior losses.
Named President of Nissan
Promoted to president of Nissan (June 2000) as part of executive succession.
Named 'Father of the Year' by a Japanese community group
Recognized in Japan in 2001 as Father of the Year by a local group (symbolic/popular recognition).
Published book 'Renaissance' and later 'Shift'
Authored and co-authored multiple books: 'Renaissance' (2001), 'Citoyen du monde' (2003), 'SHIFT: Inside Nissan's Historic Revival' (published variously cited as 2005/2007); also other later memoirs.
Authored 'Renaissance' and subject of popular media
Authored 'Renaissance' (2001) and became a cultural icon in Japan (comic, bento boxes, stamps), raising public profile globally.
Featured on TIME's 'Global Influentials' list (topped 2001)
TIME magazine listed Ghosn in 2001 as the top Global Influentials, ahead of other business leaders.
Named CEO of Nissan
Became chief executive officer of Nissan (June 2001), consolidating leadership of the turnaround.
Biographical manga series begins serialization in Japan
Ghosn's life story turned into a superhero comic series 'The True Story of Carlos Ghosn' (Big Comic Superior), starting Nov 2001; later published as a book in 2002.
Published Harvard Business Review article 'Saving the Business Without Losing the Company'
Article outlining leadership and turnaround methods (HBR).
Appointed Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (France)
Awarded the French Legion of Honour (Chevalier) in 2002.
Announced 'Nissan 180' growth plan
Set 3-year targets (1 million more vehicles, 8% operating margin, zero net automotive debt by 2005).
Eliminated Nissan's net automotive debt
Nissan reported elimination of net automotive debt in fiscal year 2002 (announced spring 2003); operating margin rose dramatically.
Award: Blue Ribbon Medal (Japan) and inducted to Automotive Hall(s) of Fame
Received Blue Ribbon Medal from Emperor Akihito (first foreign business leader to do so) and added to the Automotive Hall of Fame and Japan Automotive Hall of Fame.
Nissan sales milestone — Nissan 180 target reached
By Oct 2005 Nissan announced annual sales of more than 3.67 million vehicles (30 Sep 2004–30 Sep 2005), meeting Nissan 180 targets.
Named President & CEO of Groupe Renault
Assumed the CEO role at Renault (May 2005) while remaining Nissan CEO — first person to run two Fortune Global 500 companies simultaneously.
Received Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE)
Received honorary KBE in 2006 for contributions to the automotive industry and UK relations.
Declined approach to run Ford; was considered to lead GM
Reportedly approached/offered leadership by Ford and courted in GM deal discussions (did not assume any US automaker role).
Announced €4 billion commitment to electric vehicles
Renault–Nissan committed approximately €4 billion (~$5+ billion) to mass-market zero-emission electric-car development and deployment.
Launch of the Nissan LEAF (debuted Dec 2010)
Nissan Leaf, billed as the world's first affordable mass-market electric car, debuted in December 2010.
Fukushima earthquake and tsunami; Ghosn led recovery efforts
Following the 11 March 2011 disaster, Ghosn visited Iwaki plant (first visit 29 Mar 2011) and directed accelerated restoration of factory operations.
Named Deputy Chairman of AvtoVAZ board
Appointed deputy chairman of Russia's AvtoVAZ board (June 2012) as Alliance deepened involvement.
Multiple honours in 2012 (Japan Society Award, Grand Cordon Morocco, Lifetime Achievement)
Received Japan Society Award, Grand Cordon of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite (Morocco) and Strategic Management Society Lifetime Achievement Award.
Advisory role: Tsinghua University and Banco Itaú (until 2015)
Served on advisory board of Tsinghua University School of Economics & Management; served on International Advisory Board of Banco Itaú until 2015.
Awarded Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (Spain)
Received Spain's Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic in recognition of services benefiting Spain (2012).
Divorced Rita Kordahi
Divorce from Rita Kordahi finalized in 2012 after decades of marriage.
Named to Honorary Board of American Foundation of Saint George Hospital (Beirut)
In 2012 Ghosn was named to the Honorary Board of the American Foundation of Saint George Hospital in Beirut.
Appointed Chairman of AvtoVAZ
Elevated from deputy chairman to chairman of AvtoVAZ in June 2013 (retained through June 2016).
Appointed International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering
Named an International Fellow in recognition of contributions to engineering and industry.
Elected President of ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association)
Elected president of ACEA in 2014 (re-elected for 2015).
Left International Advisory Board, Banco Itaú
Served on Banco Itaú's International Advisory Board until 2015.
Nissan announced intent to take stake in Mitsubishi (34%)
Nissan announced plan/acquisition to take controlling ~34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors (May–Oct 2016 deal process).
Married Carole Nahas
Married Lebanese-American Carole Nahas in May 2016; celebrated with a large Versailles party in October 2016.
Became Chairman of Mitsubishi Motors (post-acquisition)
Following Nissan's acquisition of a controlling interest, Ghosn became chairman of Mitsubishi Motors to lead rehabilitation after fuel-economy scandal.
Announced stepping down as Nissan CEO (effective Apr 1, 2017)
In Feb 2017 Ghosn announced he would step down as Nissan CEO on 1 April 2017 but remain Chairman; Hiroto Saikawa succeeded as CEO.
Alliance becomes world's #1 automotive group (2017–2018)
Under his leadership Alliance was reported as the world's top-selling automotive group in 2017 and 2018.
LibanPost issued collectable stamp honoring Carlos Ghosn
Lebanon's national post office unveiled a collectible stamp honoring Ghosn in 2017.
Forfeited and international legal consequences (Interpol Red Notice)
After escape, Japanese authorities forfeited bail and issued arrest warrants; Interpol issued a Red Notice; Lebanon declined to extradite Ghosn.
Arrested in Japan on suspicion of financial misconduct
Tokyo prosecutors arrested Ghosn; Nissan alleged underreporting nearly $80 million in compensation and misuse of company funds.
Removed as Mitsubishi Chairman
Mitsubishi Motors board removed Ghosn as chairman following his arrest and ousting from Nissan.
Bail forfeited after escape (reported ~$14M)
Japanese authorities forfeited Ghosn's posted bail (reported roughly $14 million) after his escape.
Detained 108 days in Tokyo Detention House
Ghosn was detained for 108 days (often in solitary confinement) and underwent lengthy interrogations prior to bail.
Released on bail (¥1 billion ≈ $9M) with strict conditions
After multiple denials, Ghosn was released on approx. ¥1 billion bail (~$9 million) with severe conditions including surveillance and communication bans.
Escaped Japan to Lebanon
While under house arrest awaiting trial, Ghosn fled Japan hidden inside a large road/instrument case on a private jet via Osaka → Istanbul → Beirut; described as 'escape from injustice.'
Filed $1 billion lawsuit against Nissan
Ghosn filed a $1 billion lawsuit claiming defamation and fabrication of evidence regarding his arrest and ouster.
Became coach to business leaders at USEK (Holy Spirit University of Kaslik)
Since 2020 Ghosn has been developing programs and coaching executives at USEK in Lebanon.
Two Americans convicted in escape facilitation
A U.S. court convicted two Americans who helped facilitate Ghosn's escape from Japan; they were later sentenced by a Japanese court in absentia (reporting 2021).
Netflix documentary 'Fugitive' released (subject of media)
Netflix released 'Fugitive: The Curious Case of Carlos Ghosn' chronicling his rise and arrest (2022); AppleTV+ later released related material in 2023.
Greg Kelly trial outcome (related legal fallout)
Greg Kelly, formerly arrested alongside Ghosn, was acquitted on most charges in Japan in 2022; Nissan received fines in related cases.
French prosecutors issued international arrest warrant (€15M allegation)
French prosecutors issued a warrant alleging ~€15 million in personal use of Renault funds through an Omani dealership; Ghosn denied wrongdoing.
Key Achievement Ages
Explore what Carlos Ghosn and others achieved at these notable ages:
Similar Trajectories
John Katzman
Born 1959 · Age 66
American education technology entrepreneur; founder of The Princeton Review, 2U, and Noodle; author and long-time edtech investor and board member.
Satoru Iwata
Born 1959 · Age 66
Japanese video game programmer, producer and businessman; 4th president of Nintendo (2002–2015). Led Nintendo through the DS/Wii era and championed 'blue ocean' strategies and quality-of-life initiatives.
Dan Gillmor
Born 1959 · Age 66
American technology writer, columnist, author and educator known for pioneering journalism blogging, founding citizen-journalism projects, authoring We the Media, and directing digital media initiatives at Arizona State University.
Ira Glass
Born 1959 · Age 66
American public radio personality; host and creator of This American Life; influential editor/producer in narrative audio journalism.
Mary Meeker
Born 1959 · Age 66
American venture capitalist and former Wall Street securities analyst; founder and general partner of BOND (Bond Capital). Known for annual Internet Trends reports and investments in major tech companies.
Brian Roberts
Born 1959 · Age 66
American businessman and billionaire; chairman and CEO of Comcast; son of Comcast founder Ralph J. Roberts. Led Comcast through major acquisitions and expansion into broadband, media and international markets; active philanthropist and industry leader.