Renault board to meet as chairman Ghosn faces fresh financial misconduct charges
Renault will hold a board meeting in Paris today as the scandal surrounding its chairman Carlos Ghosn continues.
The extraordinary board meeting will take place this afternoon, Morning Wire understands, though it is not yet clear what will be discussed.
The meeting comes a day before Japanese prosecutors are expected to indict the car executive on two further charges, Reuters reported.
Earlier this week Ghosn made his first public appearance following his arrest in Japan on suspicion of financial misconduct.
Ghosn, who has been in detention since 19 November, maintained his innocence during an appearance in the Tokyo District Court.
“I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations,” Ghosn told the Tokyo District Court, Reuters reported.
In December Renault said it would keep Ghosn as chairman and chief executive after its preliminary investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Chief operating officer Thierry Bollore has taken over the day-to-day running of the car manufacturer during Ghosn’s detention.
But the French government, which holds a 15 per cent stake in Renault, has ramped up its hunt to find a new chairman, according to Reuters.
Renault interim chairman Philippe Lagayette has denied reports of division among board members over Ghosn’s future at the company.
Ghosn has already been ousted from fellow alliance members Nissan and Mitsubishi.
Renault declined to comment on today’s meeting.