On February 26, 2026, The Faculty of Business Administration and Economics at Haigazian University, in collaboration with the HU-Business Society (HUBS), hosted a distinguished lecture featuring internationally renowned business leader Carlos Ghosn. Held at 12:00 PM in the Church Hall, the event drew students, faculty members, and members of the wider academic community for an intellectually rigorous discussion on entrepreneurship, leadership, corporate transformation, and the future of global enterprise.
Mr. Ghosn was formally introduced by Dean Asrawi, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, who highlighted his transformative impact on the global automotive industry and his longstanding influence on contemporary management thought. In his remarks, Dean Asrawi emphasized the importance of exposing students to leaders whose experiences transcend textbook theory and illuminate the realities of decision-making at the highest levels of international business.
The presentation adopted an interview format, fostering a dynamic and analytical exchange. Twelve carefully curated questions were posed by HUBS members Arman Derbedrossian and Sergio Ayoub, guiding the discussion through a coherent exploration of leadership, governance, strategy, and innovation.
The conversation began by exploring the foundations of crisis leadership and organizational turnaround. Mr. Ghosn reflected on the core principle that guided him during periods of extreme uncertainty, particularly when leading corporations facing structural and financial distress. He addressed the delicate balance between decisive action and disciplined risk management in contexts where information is incomplete and the cost of hesitation is high. The discussion naturally extended to the human dimension of transformation and to the analytical rigor required to identify structural inefficiencies, an approach that earned him the widely recognized moniker “Le Cost Killer.”
Building on this foundation, the dialogue moved into the complexities of global leadership, corporate governance and institutional oversight. Mr. Ghosn reflected on the challenges of assuming leadership in Japan as an outsider, reflecting on whether his foreign perspective accelerated change or generated resistance requiring strategic navigation. Drawing on his multicultural background, he elaborated on integrating Western, Middle Eastern, and Japanese management philosophies into a coherent and disciplined leadership identity. The discussion further addressed the evolving role of the global CEO amid rising geopolitical tensions, as well as the importance of preserving institutional accountability while empowering strong executive leadership.
Attention then turned to large-scale industrial strategy and long-term competitiveness. Reflecting on the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, Mr. Ghosn considered whether the Alliance should be understood primarily as a durable structural achievement or as a model heavily dependent on sustained leadership alignment. Looking ahead, he analyzed the profound transformations reshaping the automotive industry, including electric mobility, artificial intelligence, and autonomous technologies. He outlined the structural shifts likely to define the sector over the next two decades and emphasized the strategic agility required of firms seeking to lead in an era of rapid technological disruption.
As the discussion progressed, Mr. Ghosn addressed the broader implications of technological transformation for emerging economies such as Lebanon. He underscored the importance of investing in digital infrastructure, cultivating innovation ecosystems, and strengthening human capital to enhance resilience and global competitiveness. Concluding on a reflective note, he offered candid advice to students aspiring to global leadership, emphasizing intellectual discipline, cultural adaptability, resilience under pressure, and most importantly talent combined with passion.
The lecture exemplified the Faculty’s commitment to bridging academic inquiry with real-world leadership experience. By engaging directly with one of the most prominent global executives of the modern era, students were challenged to think critically about strategy, governance, and the evolving demands of leadership in complex international markets.
The Faculty of Business Administration and Economics and HUBS expressed their appreciation to Mr. Ghosn for his time and insights, reaffirming their dedication to fostering dialogue that expands perspective, sharpens analytical thinking, and prepares students for leadership in a rapidly transforming global economy.
Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director