Carlos Ghosn Biography: Net Worth, Arrest, Career, Family, Age, and Key Facts (2025 Update)
Carlos Ghosn is a globally recognized business executive best known for his leadership at Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors. Noted for orchestrating one of the automotive industry’s most successful alliances, he rose to international prominence as the CEO who saved Nissan from bankruptcy. Ghosn’s dramatic arrest and subsequent escape made headlines worldwide, cementing his legacy as both a corporate legend and a figure of controversy.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Carlos Ghosn Bichara |
| Profession / Occupation | Business Executive, Industrialist |
| Birth Date | March 9, 1954 |
| Age | 71 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Porto Velho, Brazil |
| Nationality | French, Brazilian, Lebanese |
| Famous For | Turning around Nissan; Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance; High-profile arrest and escape |
| Known For | Automotive industry leadership, international business strategy |
| Ethnicity | Lebanese-Brazilian |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm), approx. 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black (now graying) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | École Polytechnique, École des Mines de Paris (France) |
| Religion | Christian (Maronite Catholic) |
| Marital Status/Spouse | Married to Carole Nahas |
| Relationship | None publicly known outside marriage |
| Children | 4 (Caroline, Maya, Nadine, Anthony) |
| Relatives | Notable: Family of Lebanese descent |
| Hobbies | Travel, reading, music, wine tasting |
| Employer/Organization | Former Chairman/CEO: Nissan, Renault, Mitsubishi Motors |
| Years Active | 1978–2019 (active in business commentary post-2019) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $120 million (2025 estimate) |
Early Life & Education
Carlos Ghosn was born on March 9, 1954, in Porto Velho, Brazil, to Lebanese parents. His family moved to Lebanon when he was six years old, where he spent much of his formative years. Ghosn attended the prestigious Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour in Beirut before relocating to France for higher education. He graduated from two of France’s top engineering schools: École Polytechnique and École des Mines de Paris. These rigorous academic foundations set the stage for his future in global business leadership.
Career Journey
Early Career and Beginnings
Ghosn began his professional journey in 1978 at Michelin, Europe’s largest tire maker. Starting as a management trainee, he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the COO of Michelin’s South American operations and later CEO of Michelin North America.
Nissan and the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance
- In 1996, Ghosn joined Renault as Executive Vice President, overseeing purchasing, R&D, manufacturing, and powertrain operations.
- In 1999, he was sent to Japan to turn around Nissan, which was facing near-bankruptcy. His “Nissan Revival Plan” cut costs, closed factories, and revitalized the product lineup.
- By 2001, Ghosn became CEO of Nissan, making history as the first non-Japanese person to lead a major Japanese automaker.
- He later became CEO and Chairman of Renault and Mitsubishi Motors, forming one of the world’s largest automotive groups.
- Ghosn was credited with saving Nissan and pioneering cross-cultural management in the auto industry.
Recent Activity and Current Position
After his arrest in 2018, Ghosn stepped down from his executive roles. Since his escape to Lebanon in 2019, he has remained active as a business commentator, author, and speaker, sharing insights on corporate governance and leadership.
Career Achievements
- Oversaw the sale of over 10 million vehicles annually at the alliance’s peak
- Named in Fortune and Forbes lists of the world’s most powerful business leaders
- Pioneered electric vehicle strategy with Nissan Leaf
Personal Life
Carlos Ghosn married Carole Nahas in 2016, after his previous marriage to Rita Ghosn. He is a father to four children: Caroline, Maya, Nadine, and Anthony. Ghosn is known for his cosmopolitan lifestyle, speaking multiple languages and enjoying travel, music, and fine wine. Despite his high-profile career, he maintains strong ties to his Lebanese heritage and is involved in various philanthropic efforts, especially in education and entrepreneurship.
Awards & Achievements
- Order of the Rising Sun (Japan)
- Legion of Honour (France)
- Time 100: The World’s Most Influential People
- Fortune Asia Businessman of the Year
- Honorary doctorates from multiple universities
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 70 kg (154 lbs)
- Hair Color: Black (now graying)
- Eye Color: Brown
Quotes
“You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.”
“Leadership is demonstrated at the moment of need.”
“If you want to motivate people, you have to be transparent.”
Controversies
The most significant controversy in Carlos Ghosn’s career was his arrest in Japan in November 2018 on charges of financial misconduct, including underreporting income and misuse of company assets. He denied all allegations, claiming he was the victim of a corporate conspiracy. Ghosn’s dramatic escape from Japan to Lebanon in December 2019—hidden inside a box—captured global attention. The case sparked debates about Japan’s legal system and corporate governance, with ongoing legal disputes and international diplomatic implications as of 2025.
Favorites
- Favorite Car: Nissan Leaf
- Favorite Cuisine: Lebanese and French
- Favorite Music: Classical and Jazz
- Favorite Book: “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
Salary & Net Worth
At the peak of his career, Carlos Ghosn’s annual salary from the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance reportedly exceeded $15 million, with additional bonuses and stock options. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $120 million, according to industry sources and media reports. His wealth stems from decades of executive compensation, stock holdings, and speaking engagements.
Interesting Facts
- Ghosn speaks four languages: Arabic, French, English, and Portuguese.
- He has lived in Brazil, Lebanon, France, Japan, and now Lebanon again.
- His leadership style is studied in business schools worldwide.
- He co-authored a book titled “Shift: Inside Nissan’s Historic Revival.”
- Ghosn’s escape from Japan was later adapted into documentaries and films.
Social Media Links
- Twitter/X: @carlosghosn
- LinkedIn: Carlos Ghosn
- Instagram: @carlosghosnofficial
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Carlos Ghosn?
Carlos Ghosn is a renowned business executive who led Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi Motors, famous for turning around struggling companies and leading the world’s largest automotive alliance. - What is Carlos Ghosn’s net worth in 2025?
His estimated net worth is about $120 million, derived from decades of executive compensation, investments, and public engagements. - Why was Carlos Ghosn arrested?
He was arrested in Japan in 2018 for alleged financial misconduct, charges he denies, claiming they were part of a corporate plot against him. - Where does Carlos Ghosn live now?
As of 2025, Carlos Ghosn resides in Lebanon, where he continues to speak and write about business and leadership. - Is Carlos Ghosn married?
Yes, he is married to Carole Nahas and has four children from his previous marriage.
Conclusion
Carlos Ghosn’s extraordinary career reshaped the global automotive industry, making him a symbol of both visionary leadership and corporate controversy. His story continues to inspire debate and fascination worldwide. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with others interested in business and leadership.
Sources: BBC, The New York Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, Financial Times, Forbes, Fortune, The Guardian
