In a leadership feature by European Business Review on 11 September 2024, Mostafa Sayyadi and Michael Provitera spotlight Carlos Ghosn’s transformative leadership at Nissan and the enduring lessons for future executives.
Ghosn’s rise involved bold strategies such as the “Nissan 180” program emphasizing transparency and stakeholder inclusion. His outreach extended beyond Japan to the redesigned Mississippi factory, where in October 2022 over 5 million vehicles had been built, symbolizing both global ambition and market responsiveness.
Leadership traits highlighted
- Rapid Learning & Adaptability
From Michelin’s small-scale factories to South America’s booming turnaround, Ghosn mastered cross-cultural dynamics, promoted a “listen-first” approach, and recognized problem-solving at all organizational layers. - Cross-Cultural Team Building
His hallmark was forming diverse teams, mixing French, Brazilian, American staff, to break down silos and fast-track transformation, from profit recovery in Brazil to scaling globally. - Inter-Organizational Collaboration
Ghosn replicated the cross-functional model at Michelin and Renault, integrating engineers and purchasing staff to align culture and organizational purpose. - Cost Control & Innovation
At Renault in 1996–1998, he led a strategy to cut CHF 30 billion in costs over three years without stifling innovation or long-term growth, restoring profitability by 1997 .
11 September 2024