Mazda North American Operations has set the stage for a new generation of executives to join its senior management in Irvine.
“Mazda is in a unique position to capitalize on customers’ changing tastes”, Chief Executive and President Masahiro Moro said in a statement. “We are making these changes to [give] leaders a chance to play a part in the next chapter of the company’s success in the U.S.”
Vice President of Sales and Retail Operations Ron Stettner left the automaker to “pursue other opportunities.” He was replaced by Tom Donnelly, who previously served as regional general manager for Mazda’s western region.
Kara Hudson moved into Donnelly’s old post. She joined Mazda in 2009, and had served as director of training since April.
Robert Davis, former senior vice president of U.S. operations, was transferred to a newly created role of senior vice president, special assignments. His duties include “mentorship of the company’s next generation of senior leadership” as well as leading teams “in the ever-growing areas of recall compliance and cybersecurity, with a focus on upcoming legislation, regulations and compliance and their impact on Mazda and the industry,” according to the automaker.
Mazda’s annual U.S. unit sales added up to 297,773, down 6.7% compared with 2015.
