PARIS, Oct 10 (Reuters) - French carmaker Renault (RENA.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) named Patrick Pelata chief operating officer, making him second in the line of command behind President and Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn.
Pelata, who takes up the role on Monday, is a former head of strategy who had been put in charge of European operations only a few weeks ago and also worked with Ghosn at Nissan Motor (7201.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) in Japan.
Pelata was a key figure during the acquisition of a large minority stake in AvtoVAZ (AVAZ.MM: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) of Russia.
"Through his significant knowledge of Renault, through the quality of our relationship, and through his involvement in Renault Commitment 2009, he has the right experience and all my confidence to succeed in this new position," Ghosn said in a statement on Friday.
A spokeswoman said Pelata would be in charge of the operational business and Ghosn of strategy, budget, mergers & acquisitions and alliances.
She added that Ghosn had planned the move a long time ago.
The new structure at Renault mirrors that at Nissan where Toshiyuki Shinga is chief operating officer, next to Ghosn.
Pelata was born on Aug. 24, 1955, and holds engineering degrees. He joined Renault in 1984 as a manager at the Flins plant and in 1999 he joined Nissan in Tokyo
