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Last Updated:
2024-04-04 23:55:38

Carlos Ghosn

Businessman and former automotive executive
Businessman and former automotive executive

Carlos Ghosn, born on March 9, 1954, is a prominent businessman who held executive positions at Michelin, Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors. He gained global attention for his escape from house arrest in Japan in 2019.

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1954-03-09
Early Life of Carlos Ghosn

Carlos Ghosn was born on March 9, 1954, in Porto Velho, Brazil. His family background includes Lebanese and Brazilian heritage.

1971-12-20
Carlos Ghosn born

Carlos Ghosn, a Brazilian-Lebanese-French businessman known for his leadership in the automotive industry, was born on March 9, 1954.

1974
Entrance to Ecole Polytechnique

Carlos Ghosn entered the Ecole Polytechnique in 1974, a prestigious school established in 1794 during the French Revolution. The school is known for educating high-achieving students and has produced many senior officials and politicians in France.

1976
Graduation from Ecole Polytechnique

Carlos Ghosn graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique in 1976, a significant achievement after completing demanding lectures, discussions, and assignments. The school provided opportunities for students to move up the social hierarchy in France.

1978
Graduation from École des Mines de Paris

After completing his education in Lebanon and France, Carlos Ghosn graduated from the prestigious École des Mines de Paris. This marked a significant milestone in his academic journey.

1989
Ghosn appointed president and COO of Michelin North America

In 1989, Carlos Ghosn was appointed as the president and COO of Michelin North America after successfully turning around Michelin's South American operations. He relocated to Greenville, South Carolina with his family and later became the CEO of Michelin North America in 1990.

1996
Ghosn becomes executive vice president at Renault

In 1996, Carlos Ghosn became the executive vice president at Renault, overseeing various departments including purchasing, research, engineering, and development. He also managed Renault's South American division, contributing to the company's profitability.

1999-06
Carlos Ghosn appointed as chief operating officer of Nissan

In June 1999, Renault appoints Carlos Ghosn as the chief operating officer of Nissan, marking the beginning of his key role in the Japanese automaker.

1999-10
Carlos Ghosn's Drastic Changes at Nissan

In October 1999, Carlos Ghosn proposed drastic cuts in parts purchases, reductions in the number of suppliers, closing five domestic plants, and eliminating some 21,000 jobs worldwide at Nissan, leading to a dramatic turnaround in less than a year.

2001-06
Carlos Ghosn appointed as CEO of Nissan

Carlos Ghosn was appointed as the CEO of Nissan in June 2001, playing a crucial role in the company's turnaround.

2002
Carlos Ghosn Named Man of the Year by Automobile Magazine

In 2002, Carlos Ghosn was named Man of the Year by Automobile Magazine for his exceptional leadership and successful rescue of Nissan Motor Company.

2004
Receiving Blue Ribbon Medal from Emperor Akihito of Japan

In 2004, Carlos Ghosn became the first foreign business leader to receive the prestigious Blue Ribbon Medal from Emperor Akihito of Japan.

2005-05
Ghosn Named President and CEO of Renault

In May 2005, Carlos Ghosn was appointed as the president and chief executive officer of Renault, becoming the first person to simultaneously lead two Fortune Global 500 companies.

2006
Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire

In 2006, Ghosn was made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

2010
Listed as one of the 'Most Respected CEOs' by CEO Quarterly magazine

In 2010, CEO Quarterly magazine listed Ghosn as one of the 'Most Respected CEOs'.

2011-03-11
Ghosn's Leadership in Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Recovery

Carlos Ghosn played a significant role in the recovery efforts after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. He visited the hard-hit Iwaki engine plant in Fukushima prefecture and directed Nissan to restore full operations ahead of expectations.

2012-06
Ghosn's Role at AvtoVAZ

In June 2012, Carlos Ghosn was named deputy chairman of the board of directors of Russian automobile manufacturer AvtoVAZ. He later became chairman of the company in June 2013, a position he held until June 2016.

2013
Appointed as International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering

In 2013, Ghosn was appointed an International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

2016-08
Carrying the Olympic torch in Rio

Carlos Ghosn carried the Olympic torch in his home country, Brazil, at the start of the 2016 Rio Olympics, which was a moment of pride for him.

2016-10
Carlos Ghosn becomes head of Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

In October 2016, Carlos Ghosn assumes the leadership position at Mitsubishi Motors Corp. following Nissan's intervention to support the struggling automaker.

2017-01-23
Arrest of Carlos Ghosn

On January 23, 2017, Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO of Nissan, was arrested in Japan on charges of financial misconduct. This event marked the beginning of a high-profile legal saga that garnered international attention.

2018-11-19
Initial Arrest of Carlos Ghosn

On 19 November 2018, Carlos Ghosn was arrested by Tokyo district prosecutors upon his re-entry into Japan for questioning over allegations of false accounting.

2018-11-20
Carlos Ghosn dismissed from Nissan and Mitsubishi

Carlos Ghosn is removed from his positions at Nissan and Mitsubishi, but remains in his role at Renault. The dismissal process is ongoing.

2018-11-22
Removal of Carlos Ghosn as Nissan Chairman

On November 22, 2018, the Nissan board of directors unanimously voted to oust Carlos Ghosn as chairman of the company. This decision came after allegations of financial misconduct and led to Ghosn's removal from the position.

2018-11-26
Ghosn's Removal from Mitsubishi Motors

On 26 November 2018, Carlos Ghosn was removed from his role as chairman of Mitsubishi Motors following his arrest and ousting from Nissan for alleged financial misconduct.

2018-11-28
Stripping of Carlos Ghosn's Chairmanship at Mitsubishi

A week after his arrest, on November 28, 2018, Carlos Ghosn was stripped of his chairmanship at Mitsubishi during a board meeting. This decision was made to avoid reputation risk for Mitsubishi, as argued by then-CEO Osamu Masuko.

2018-11-30
Tokyo Court Grants Extension for Ghosn's Detention

A Tokyo court allows authorities to keep Carlos Ghosn in jail for an additional 10 days to further investigate allegations of financial misconduct, including the claim that he failed to report a significant portion of his earnings.

2018-12-10
Ghosn and Nissan Indicted for Financial Law Violations

Prosecutors charge Carlos Ghosn and Nissan for violating financial laws by underreporting Ghosn's income. Nissan acknowledges the charges and commits to enhancing compliance standards.

2018-12-20
Ghosn Rearrested for Alleged Role in Nissan's Financial Losses

Japanese authorities arrest Carlos Ghosn again, suspecting him of compelling Nissan to bear $16.6 million in personal losses during the 2008 financial crisis. If convicted, he could face a decade in prison.

2018-12-21
Ghosn re-arrested for suspicion of financial misconduct

On December 21, 2018, Carlos Ghosn was re-arrested on suspicion of shifting personal losses of US$16.6 million to Nissan related to a personal swap contract during the 2008 financial crisis. The new charges led to his continued incarceration and prevented his release on bail.

2019-01-04
Carlos Ghosn appears in Tokyo's Court

Carlos Ghosn makes his first public appearance in Tokyo's Court, asserting his innocence and requesting release. The legal battle continues.

2019-01-07
Ghosn Asserts Innocence in Japanese Court

Carlos Ghosn makes his first public appearance in a Japanese court, proclaiming his innocence. He maintains that his actions were lawful and approved by Nissan's executives to benefit the company.

2019-01-08
Carlos Ghosn's court appearance in Tokyo

In January 2019, Carlos Ghosn appears in a Tokyo court asserting his innocence amidst legal proceedings.

2019-01-10
Carlos Ghosn Charged on Two Counts

Carlos Ghosn is charged on two other counts amidst the revelations at Renault.

2019-01-11
Ghosn indicted on additional charges

On January 11, 2019, Carlos Ghosn was indicted on aggravated breach of trust and understating his income, leading to an extension of his imprisonment. This further delayed any potential trial.

2019-01-14
Ghosn accused of paying himself undisclosed funds

On January 14, 2019, it was alleged that Carlos Ghosn paid himself an undisclosed $8 million in 2018 from a joint venture without the knowledge of Nissan and Mitsubishi directors. This added to the financial controversies surrounding him.

2019-01-15
Carlos Ghosn's Bail Request Rejected

Carlos Ghosn's bail request is rejected, leading to the French State requesting his replacement at Renault. The concept of 'hostage justice' gains attention.

2019-01-16
Renault Considers New CEO

After French government's call for leadership change and Ghosn's continued incarceration, Renault contemplates seeking a new CEO to replace Ghosn.

2019-01-21
Bail denied for Ghosn once again

On January 21, 2019, the Tokyo district court denied bail for Carlos Ghosn, despite his appeals and offers to meet stricter conditions. This decision prolonged his detention.

2019-01-23
Jean-Dominique Sénard Becomes Head of Renault

Carlos Ghosn claims his right to his pension as Jean-Dominique Sénard takes over as the new head of Renault.

2019-01-24
Ghosn Resigns from Renault

Following bail rejections and pressure from the French government, Ghosn steps down as chairman and CEO of Renault.

2019-01-30
Ghosn Claims Charges are Plot and Treason

Ghosn accuses Nissan executives of plotting against him due to opposition towards Renault relationship and integration plans.

2019-02-05
Carlos Ghosn Continues to Claim Innocence in Media

Despite facing allegations, Carlos Ghosn maintains his innocence and defends himself in the media.

2019-02-13
Renault to Audit Expenses Linked to Carlos Ghosn and Challenge Pension Benefits

Renault announces plans to scrutinize costs associated with Carlos Ghosn and contest his pension benefits.

2019-02-19
French prosecutors launch inquiry into Carlos Ghosn's alleged misconduct

On February 19, 2019, French prosecutors initiate a judicial inquiry into accusations of money laundering, fraud, and misuse of company assets during Carlos Ghosn's tenure in the Renault-Nissan alliance.

2019-02-26
Carlos Ghosn Gets New Defense Team and Launches First Attacks

Carlos Ghosn acquires a fresh legal team and initiates his defense strategy by launching initial counteractions.

2019-03-04
Court Grants Bail to Ghosn After Third Attempt

After multiple failed attempts, a court finally approves Carlos Ghosn's bail request, requiring him to pay around $9 million. Strict conditions, such as constant surveillance and travel restrictions, are imposed.

2019-03-06
Ghosn Released on Bail

After being granted bail in a Tokyo court, Ghosn is released under strict conditions including surveillance and no internet access.

2019-03-12
Carlos Ghosn granted bail

Carlos Ghosn was granted bail in March 2019 after being arrested for financial misconduct in Japan.

2019-04-01
Renault reports suspicious payments by Carlos Ghosn

Renault reported suspicious payments allegedly made by Carlos Ghosn to a partner in Oman, leading to his revocation from the Board of Directors.

2019-04-03
Carlos Ghosn Leaves Residence in Tokyo

On April 3, 2019, former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn left his residence in Tokyo.

2019-04-04
Carlos Ghosn rearrested by Japanese prosecutors

Carlos Ghosn was rearrested by Japanese prosecutors in April 2019, facing further legal challenges.

2019-04-08
Nissan Shareholders Remove Ghosn from Board

During a shareholders meeting, Nissan shareholders vote to oust Ghosn from the company board and appoint new directors.

2019-04-22
Ghosn's Appeal Rejected, Detention Extended

Japanese court denies appeal by Ghosn's lawyers, extending his detention for an initial 10 days until 22 April 2019.

2019-04-25
Carlos Ghosn Released on Bail

Carlos Ghosn, the former chairman of Nissan, was released on bail from the Tokyo Detention House in Tokyo on April 25, 2019.

2019-05-09
Carlos Ghosn claims innocence under 4th indictment

Carlos Ghosn claimed his innocence under a 4th indictment in May 2019, amidst international mobilization and ongoing interrogation in Japan.

2019-05-26
Seizure of Computer in Beirut Linked to Carlos Ghosn's Re-arrest

Revelations emerged about the seizure of a computer in Beirut, suspected to be connected to Carlos Ghosn's re-arrest.

2019-06-23
Scrutiny of Carlos Ghosn's Tax Situation

Carlos Ghosn's tax situation came under scrutiny on June 23, 2019.

2019-07-03
Carlos Ghosn counterattacks Nissan in the Netherlands

Between July 3rd and 12th, 2019, Carlos Ghosn launched a counterattack against Nissan by summoning them in the Netherlands.

2019-07-24
Nissan and Renault announce job cuts

On July 24-26, 2019, Nissan and Renault revealed disastrous financial results and a plan to cut 12,500 jobs.

2019-09-05
Carlos Ghosn's friends and relatives take action

From September 5th to 16th, 2019, there was a joint effort by Carlos Ghosn's friends and relatives.

2019-09-23
Settlement with the SEC

The United States decided not to prosecute Carlos Ghosn and reached a settlement with the SEC.

2019-10-13
Carole Ghosn's Denouncement

Carole Ghosn publicly denounced the lack of response to the orchestrated plot against her husband, Carlos Ghosn.

2019-10-29
Prosecutorial Misconduct Allegations in Carlos Ghosn's Case

Carlos Ghosn's defense team accuses extensive prosecutorial misconduct, leading to calls for the dismissal of the case. Japanese tax authorities also uncover a dispute with Nissan dating back to 2014.

2019-11-19
Carlos Ghosn Asserts Innocence One Year After Arrest

On the first anniversary of his arrest, Carlos Ghosn proclaims his innocence. International media acknowledge that Ghosn may have been a victim of entrapment. The French political community starts to respond.

2019-11-22
Outcry Against Human Rights Violations in Carlos Ghosn's Case

Friends and family of Carlos Ghosn speak out against a system that they believe disregards basic human rights.

2019-12-29
Carlos Ghosn's escape from Japan to Lebanon

Between December 29-31, 2019, Carlos Ghosn escapes from Japan to Lebanon, evading his ongoing legal issues with the alleged help of individuals aiding his departure.

2019-12-30
Ghosn's escape from Japan to Lebanon

On December 30, 2019, Carlos Ghosn reportedly escaped from Japan to Beirut, Lebanon, claiming he wanted to break free from what he called a biased Japanese justice system. The escape involved a complex plan with private jets and false passenger records.

2019-12-31
Carlos Ghosn Escapes Japanese Authorities

On December 31, 2019, despite heavy police surveillance, Carlos Ghosn managed to escape Japanese authorities and flee the country in a music equipment container.

2020-01-06
Arrest Warrant Issued for Ghosn's Wife

Japanese authorities issued an arrest warrant for Ghosn's wife, Carole, in an alleged attempt to silence Ghosn before his next attempt to prove his innocence.

2020-01-07
The Rise, Fall, and Flight of Carlos Ghosn

A breakdown and timeline of the events surrounding the fugitive car business icon, Carlos Ghosn.

2020-01-08
International Outcry over Carlos Ghosn's Departure

The Japan government and Nissan were under pressure due to the global criticism following Carlos Ghosn's escape to Lebanon.

2020-01-09
Travel Ban Imposed on Carlos Ghosn

Lebanese prosecutor Judge Ghassan Ouiedat imposed a travel ban on Carlos Ghosn the day after his press conference.

2020-01-30
Arrest Warrants Issued for Michael Taylor and Others

Japanese prosecutors issued arrest warrants on January 30, 2020, alleging that former US Army Special Forces soldier Michael Taylor, along with his son Peter and another American, orchestrated the escape of Carlos Ghosn to Lebanon. Taylor, a private-security contractor with ties to Lebanon, had previous experience in international rescue operations.

2020-02-10
Carlos Ghosn Hires Michael Ovitz as Hollywood Agent

Carlos Ghosn hired former Disney president Michael Ovitz as his Hollywood agent.

2020-02-12
Nissan Sues Carlos Ghosn for Corrupt Actions

Nissan launched a $90 million lawsuit against Carlos Ghosn for alleged corrupt actions.

2020-02-29
Japan Fines Nissan for Underreporting Remuneration

Japan's financial regulators fined Nissan for underreporting remuneration of former Chairman Ghosn and other executives.

2020-05-08
Turkey Charges Seven Individuals in Ghosn Case

On May 8, 2020, Turkey charged seven people for assisting Carlos Ghosn in fleeing to Lebanon through Istanbul. This legal action was part of the ongoing investigation into Ghosn's escape.

2020-05-20
Arrest of Michael and Peter Taylor in the US

On May 20, 2020, US authorities arrested Michael and Peter Taylor on suspicion of aiding Carlos Ghosn's escape to Lebanon. This arrest marked a significant development in the international legal proceedings surrounding Ghosn's escape.

2020-10-30
US Agrees to Extradite Taylors to Japan

On October 30, 2020, the United States agreed to extradite Michael and Peter Taylor to Japan in connection with their involvement in Carlos Ghosn's escape. This decision signified a step towards legal accountability for the Taylors.

2020-11-03
Lebanon Decides Not to Charge Ghosn for Visiting Israel

Lebanon's prosecutor general decided not to charge Carlos Ghosn for visiting Israel in 2008 due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.

2020-11-23
UN Experts Conclude Ghosn's Detention in Japan was Unfair

A panel of human rights experts working with the United Nations concluded that Carlos Ghosn's arrest and detention in Japan was fundamentally unfair.

2021-02-24
Sentencing of individuals involved in Carlos Ghosn's escape

On February 24, 2021, two pilots and a Turkish official receive four-year prison sentences in Turkey for their roles in assisting Carlos Ghosn's flight from Japan.

2022-04-22
First French arrest warrant issued against Carlos Ghosn

A magistrate in Nanterre issued an arrest warrant against Carlos Ghosn in April 2022 related to alleged embezzlement and money laundering. The warrant was connected to contracts made by a Renault-Nissan subsidiary.

2023-05-18
Carlos Ghosn files $1 billion lawsuit against Nissan

Carlos Ghosn filed a complaint seeking $1 billion in damages against Nissan and some of its employees in Lebanon. He accuses Nissan of fabricating accusations that led to his arrest in Japan in 2018.

2023-09-18
Hearing in Beirut regarding complaint filed against Nissan by Carlos Ghosn

A hearing was held in Beirut following a complaint filed by Carlos Ghosn against Nissan and 12 individuals. Ghosn's lawyers outlined various charges including criminal association, manufacturing of evidence, and false testimony.

2024-02
Nissan Workers Charged with Stealing from Ghosn's Beirut Home

Four senior Nissan workers were charged with stealing documents, files, and electronic devices from Carlos Ghosn's Beirut home and office.

End of the Timeline
Carlos Ghosn

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Carlos Ghosn

Businessman and former automotive executive
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