( Reuters) – Nissan’s chief operating officer Ashwani Gupta helped engineer the distressed automaker’s latest turnaround strategy. Now his allies are pressing the board to promote him to co-CEO to drive the new strategy, stated 4 people with direct knowledge.
FILE IMAGE: Nissan Motor COO Ashwani Gupta speaks during a news conference at Nissan Motor head office in Yokohama, Japan, December 2,2019 REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Thus far, Nissan Motor Co’s 12- member board has no plan to change the functions of Chief Executive Makoto Uchida or his No. 2 Gupta, the sources informed Reuters. But the behind-the-scenes campaign, involving a minimum of half a lots current and previous executives, points to continued stress at the top of the Japanese car manufacturer, which has actually had 4 CEOs in 4 years.
The sources, all of whom have ties to Nissan’s leadership group, decreased to be determined because they aren’t authorised to speak with reporters and since of the sensitivity of the topic.
Nissan responded in a statement to Reuters there are “no plans or factor to consider for any change in the management structure at Nissan, and no change to the close collective working relationship between Mr. Uchida and Mr. Gupta in their present functions.” Speculation to the contrary is baseless and misleading, the declaration went on.
Lobbying to promote Gupta, 49, has heightened, the sources said, considering that Nissan revealed a four-year recovery plan on May 28 to slash costs and enhance its worldwide alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi. Indian-born Gupta, an industry veteran, was instrumental in preparing the plan. His allies now want him to implement it.
According to individuals with knowledge of the matter, Gupta’s supporters are proposin