Business Case Studies, Leadership Case Study, Tata Group,Ratan Tata

Code :LDS0007

Year : 2005

Industry :Automobiles

Region : Europe

Teaching Note:Available

Structured Assignment :Available

Abstract: In April 2005, Carlos Ghosn, the 'turnaround artist' behind the much acclaimed restructuring at Nissan, would lead two companies. Louis Schweitzer, CEO of Renault, announced in 2002 that Carlos Ghosn would succeed him as CEO of Renault, while continuing as CEO of Nissan. While at Nissan, with his cost-cutting ventures and bold 'unJapanese' ways of management, he was regarded as the most charismatic leader in the company as well as among the Japanese business community. With his unconventional ideas and attention for urgency, he managed to bring radical changes in the company's operations. As the industry observers eagerly awaited the management change, the pressure was perceived to be high on Carlos Ghosn. Brazilian by birth, Ghosn has to deal with Japanese culture at Nissan as well as French etiquettes at Renault, while achieving synergies with their partnerships. At the same time, the challenges for the two automakers were equally high with the global automobile industry in a downturn and product and market expansions underway at both the companies. In the age of globalisation and increasing corporate scandals, Carlos Ghosn epitomises the qualities required to be a successful leader with cultural adaptability and transparency constituting the core of his leadership style.