TOM DONNELLY
CEO/PRESIDENT, MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
WHY: Heads Orange County’s fourth-largest automaker with more than 370 local employees as of September; was previously SVP of retail operations.
IN THE NEWS: Mazda announced that after 2024, automaker will develop electrified versions for all its models. Donnelly says plug-in hybrid technology is right for current marketplace with no rush to outpace industry.
NOTABLE: Counts over 30 years in auto; joined Mazda in 2008 as a director of service and parts operations in Texas before moving up and eventually entered top role after 15 years.
QUOTABLE: “Not many auto CEOs can say they started in service and parts,” Donnelly told the Business Journal.
