A statement issued by Renault confirmed Senard “will be the main contact person for the Japanese partner and the other Alliance partners for any discussion on the Alliance’s organisation and evolution”. It continued: “He will propose to the Board of Directors any new Alliance agreement that he considers useful for Renault’s future.”
The architect and former boss of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is still detained in Japan, facing charges of serious financial misconduct. His resignation comes two months after his arrest and subsequent dismissal from Nissan.
Ghosn’s multi-million-pound misconduct allegations: the latest
Nissan and Mitsubishi claimed last week in a joint statement that Ghosn received £6.9 million in ‘improper’ payments without consulting the board.
Ghosn has had several bail applications denied after being indicted on charges of serious financial misconduct, aggravated breach of trust and understating his income for three years. New allegations come directly from two of his former employers, claiming he failed to consult the board when receiving payments from Nissan-Mitsubishi BV (NMBV), a Netherlands-based joint venture set up to explore greater collaboration within the group.
Prosecutors laid further charges against Ghosn last week, days after he issued a public statement claiming that he has been “wrongly accused” of serious financial misconduct.
The 64-year-old was arrested by prosecutors in Japan in November last year. His hearing at a court in Tokyo last week was his first public appearance since then.
In a prepared statement to the court issued by his legal team, Ghosn said: “I am innocent of the accusations made against me. I have always acted with integrity and have never been accused of any wrongdoing in my several-decade professional career.
“I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations.”
The court hearing was requested by Ghosn’s lawyers to explain the reasons for his prolonged detention. The judge, Yuichi Tada, said it was because he was considered a flight risk and there was the possibility that he could conceal evidence.
According to reports, Ghosn was led into the court in handcuffs and with a rope around his waist and appeared notably thinner than previously.
In his statement, Ghosn also listed his achievements during his time as head of Nissan, and added: “I have a genuine love and appreciation for Nissan.”