Carlos Ghosn

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Carlos Ghosn's achievements in the automotive industry are nothing short of historic. He orchestrated the largest corporate turnaround in modern history, saving Nissan from bankruptcy and transforming it into a profitable global powerhouse. His leadership extended beyond a single company, as he unified Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi into a strategic alliance that dominates the global market. Recognized by Fortune, Time, and the World Economic Forum, he consistently ranked among the most powerful and influential business leaders of his generation.

AwardsCarlos Ghosn received numerous accolades for his leadership in the automotive industry. He was named "Businessperson of the Year" by Fortune magazine in 2000 for his turnaround of Nissan. He was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame and received the "Global Business Leader Award" from the World Economic Forum in 2009. Additionally, he was honored with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Society of Automotive Engineers in 2010 and listed on Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" list in 2017.

Honours & Distinctions

Chevalier of the Legion of Honour

French Government·2005

Awarded for contributions to the automotive industry.

Officier of the Legion of Honour

French Government·2006

Promoted to Officer rank for continued service.

Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon

Japanese Government·2012

Awarded for economic contributions to Japan (later contested).

Grand Cross of the Order of Merit

German Government·2014

Highest class of merit for contributions to German-Japanese relations.

Rankings & Lists

50 Most Powerful People in Business

Fortune·2000

Top 50 CEOs

Bloomberg·2005

#12

World's Most Powerful People

Forbes·2010

Most Creative People in Business

Fast Company·2014

Best CEOs of the Decade

Inc.·2017

Magazine Covers

Time Magazine

January 2017

The God of Cars

Fortune Magazine

February 2000

The Man Who Saved Nissan

Bloomberg Businessweek

November 2018

The Fall of Carlos Ghosn

Forbes

June 2026

The Ghost of Carlos Ghosn Still Haunts Nissan

Records & Feats

First Non-Japanese CEO of Major Japanese Automaker

Historic First·1999

Became the first foreigner to lead Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Largest Corporate Turnaround

Career Milestone·2002

Saved Nissan from $20 billion in debt and returned it to profitability in three years.

Dual CEO Leadership

Career Milestone·2005

Simultaneously served as CEO of Renault and Chairman of Nissan, creating the largest automotive alliance.