FILE PHOTO - Philippe Lagayette, Senior Independent Director and Chairman of Accounts & Audit Committee, attends a general assembly meeting with stock holders in Paris, France, April 29, 2011. Picture taken April 29, 2011. REUTERS/Charles Platiau

PARIS (Reuters) - French carmaker Renault’s board named an interim chairman and handed new powers to its chief operating officer to replace embattled boss Carlos Ghosn following his arrest in Japan on suspicion of financial misconduct, sources said.

Philippe Lagayette, the board’s highest-ranked independent director, will take over temporarily as chairman, the sources said. Chief Operating Officer Thierry Bollore, Ghosn’s second-in-command, will take on full company officer powers.

At a Tuesday meeting, the board refrained from ousting Ghosn, the chairman and chief executive, while it awaits more information on accusations that emerged from an internal investigation by alliance partner Nissan, the sources said.

A Renault spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.