Nissan Motor in Yokohama, Japan said that Ashwani Gupta, Representative Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer (COO), will leave the company “to pursue other opportunities” effective 27 June 2023. Gupta will also “retire” from the board of directors at the end of the annual general meeting of shareholders to be held on that same day.

The timing is less than ideal for the Alliance, which arguably has not recovered from the Carlos Ghosn matter. Only four months ago Renault, Nissan and the Alliance said that they are taking new steps to increase value for stakeholders. These include operational projects in Latin America, India and Europe; enhanced strategic agility with new initiatives that partners can join; and a re-balanced Renault Group-Nissan cross-shareholding and reinforced Alliance governance. The Boards of Directors of Renault Group and Nissan Motor have approved these changes.