On probation since 25 December 2018, Greg Kelly spoke out for the first time in a Japanese media. He chooses the business magazine Bungei Shunju and delivers exclusive information about Hiroto Saikawa, Nissan’s CEO.

Not only was he aware of it, unlike what he had claimed from the beginning, but he was also involved in discussions to set up a compensation system. It aimed at “legally protect Nissan in order to keep a talented executive” from going to the competition. He claimed that no contract had been confirmed or signed by Carlos Ghosn.

Greg Kelly thus expresses his incomprehension at the treatment he suffered, as opposed to the Nissan executives. Those who participated in these discussions, such as Hiroto Saikawa, were never troubled by justice.

“If there were any doubts about Ghosn’s post-employment contract, they should have been able to handle and resolve it in-house. Why was there no request to Ghosn or myself, such as, “We want an explanation,” no discussions or meetings, and instead a sudden arrest. Making sudden arrests in this case is not normal but rather extremely unusual, considering that we were not the only ones involved in the discussions.”

Greg Kelly – Bungei Shunju

Greg Kelly also explains for the first time how Hari Nada forced him to go to Tokyo in November. This confirms his wife’s statements a few days after his arrest, but also the way his arrest took place.

With regard to the accusations of abuse of company property brought against Carlos Ghosn, he pointed out that there are precedents in the purchase of real estate by a company, of which it remains the owner. That way, the company can provide for the needs of its executives during prolonged stays in certain places. It represents a loss-free investment.

He rejects all allegations against him but, above all, takes the blame on Hiroto Saikawa. He reveals that Saikawa requested Nissan to acquire real estate outside Japan for his personal use. This did not happen in the end, but it does indicate that this type of request is frequent for residences outside Japan, and that this practice is not illegal.

And he goes on to testify that “one of the reasons the real estate acquisition did not take place was that Mr. Saikawa received a large amount of money from stock-based compensation (SAR)”. He would also have changed the date of his compensation options, which is illegal, in order to make more profit. This resulted in a larger expense for Nissan.