Nissan Motor Co. President Carlos Ghosn will be made an Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE) for his contributions to the economic development of Japan and Britain, Nissan officials said Tuesday.
Under Ghosn's leadership, Nissan promoted operations at its plant in Sunderland, northeast England, which employs some 5,500 people and is due to export sporty, multipurpose vehicles to Japan next year.
In a statement, Ghosn said he is "deeply honored" by the recognition and expressed thanks to "the hard work and achievements of our 5,500 employees and 220 dealers that support the Nissan business" in Britain.
The order Ghosn will receive is the highest honor the British Crown gives to a non-British citizen.
The late Takashi Ishihara, former Nissan president and chairman, was also made a KBE.