Nissan Board of Directors And Their Envy of Carlos Ghosn

Carlos Ghosn was a charismatic and innovative CEO of Nissan who was admired and respected globally. However, his success was not received well by the Nissan board of directors and the government of Japan, who held feelings of envy “Netami (妬み)” toward him. This envy eventually led to his arrest and downfall.

Ghosn's leadership of Nissan marked a turning point for the company, which was on the verge of bankruptcy in the late 1990s. He implemented several reforms, such as cost-cutting measures, reducing debt, and expanding the company's global reach. He also played a significant role in the creation of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, which became one of the largest automotive companies in the world.

However, despite his successes, the Nissan board of directors and the Japanese government were uncomfortable with his high profile and the influence he held over the company. Ghosn was seen as a foreigner who was taking control of a Japanese company, and his compensation package was perceived as excessive.

In 2018, Ghosn was arrested in Tokyo on charges of financial misconduct. The accusations included under-reporting his future income, transferring personal losses to Nissan, and misusing company funds. The trial was widely covered in the media, and Ghosn was eventually found guilty and sentenced to several years in prison.

Many believe that Ghosn's arrest was politically motivated, and a way for the Japanese government and Nissan board of directors to undermine his power and take control of the company. The case also raised questions about the legal system in Japan, which has a high conviction rate and a lack of transparency in the trial process.

The envy of Carlos Ghosn by the Nissan board of directors and the government of Japan led to his downfall. He was a visionary leader who brought significant change and growth to Nissan, but his success made him a target for those who felt threatened by his influence. The case highlights the challenges that foreign executives face in Japan and the importance of transparency in the legal system.