Nissan shareholders OK ouster of ex-chair Ghosn from board

TOKYO — Nissan shareholders approved on Monday the ouster from the Japanese automaker's board former Chairman Carlos Ghosn, who faces allegations of financial misconduct.

The approval was shown by applause from the more than 4,000 people gathered at a Tokyo hotel for a three-hour extraordinary shareholders' meeting. Other votes had been submitted in advance.

Ahead of the vote, Nissan's top executive apologized to its shareholders for the scandal at the Japanese automaker and asked them to approve Ghosn's dismissal.

Chief Executive Hiroto Saikawa and other Nissan Motor Co. executives bowed deeply in apology to shareholders attending the extraordinary meeting at a Tokyo hotel.

Shareholders also approved the appointment of French alliance partner Renault SA's chairman Jean-Dominique Senard to replace Ghosn. Renault owns 43 percent of Nissan.

They likewise also gave a green light to removing from the board a former executive direct, Greg Kelly, who has been charged with collaborating with Ghosn in the alleged misconduct. That also won shareholders' approval.

Ghosn is facing financial misconduct charges and was arrested in connection with fresh allegations and taken back into custody last week after spending barely a month out of detention on bail.

AP