Pelata Named Renault COO

Renault SA names Patrick Pelata its chief operating officer, a move expected to help relieve President and CEO Carlos Ghosn of some day-to-day duties.

Effective Oct. 13, Pelata will report to Ghosn and be responsible for all operational areas of Renault. All members of the Renault executive committee and regional heads will report to Pelata.

Ghosn will continue to oversee directly all strategic decision making and finance and public affairs functions, Renault says.

“Through his significant knowledge of Renault, through the quality of our relationship, and through his involvement in Renault Commitment 2009, (Pelata) has the right experience and all my confidence to succeed in this new position,” Ghosn says in a statement.

Pelata has been on a fast track in recent months. Previously head of strategy for Renault, he was named to oversee its European operations only a few weeks ago.