Renault’s board has taken the decision to separate the roles of chairman and chief executive following the resignation of Carlos Ghosn.

The French brand said in a statement issued this afternoon (January 24) that its board of directors had decided on the measure as part of a new governance structure.

After meeting under the chairmanship of lead independent director, Philippe Lagayette, this morning, the manufacturer’s leadership concluded that the new chairman of the board of directors would have to evaluate and, if necessary, change Renault's governance in order to “ensure the transition to the new structure”.

A statement issued by the brand, which did not mention the departing Ghosn by name, added: “In addition, Renault's board of directors wishes to supervise actively the functioning of the Alliance and decides to give its chairman full responsibility for managing the Alliance on behalf of Renault, in liaison with the chief executive officer.”

Renault’s board co-opted Jean-Dominique Senard, the chief executive of French tyre producer Michelin, as a new director and elected him chairman.

On the latter's proposal, the board appointed deputy chief executive Thierry Bolloré as the manufacturer's chief executive officer.

Former Renault chairman and chief executive, Ghosn, is understood to have stepped down ahead of this morning’s board meeting.

The former Nissan chairman remains in custody in Tokyo following his arrest last November, when he was charged with financial misconduct and breach of trust.

Nissan and fellow Alliance partner Mitsubishi had already ousted Ghosn from their leadership teams, but Renault kept him on.

Renault said in the statement issued this afternoon that its board had praised the Alliance's track record, which has enabled it to become the world's leading automobile manufacturer, adding: “The board expresses its confidence in the new leadership and wishes it every success in its mission.”