News Releases

Mazda Announces Senior Executive Management Changes for U.S. Operations
Moves groom next generation of Mazda leadership in U.S.

IRVINE, Calif. (January 26, 2017) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced changes to its senior management structure for operations in the United States.  These changes are effective immediately, and were announced to the company’s employees and National Dealer Advisory Council earlier today.

“Mazda is in a unique position to capitalize on customers’ changing tastes, whether those tastes are in vehicle segments, design, content or the experience they receive at the dealership during the purchase process,” said Masahiro Moro, president and CEO, MNAO.  “In order to seize more than our fair share of this market shift, we are making these changes to our management team in order to mentor new leaders and give those leaders a chance to play a part in the next chapter of the company’s success in the U.S.”

The changes announced today:

  • Robert Davis, previously Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations, will assume the newly created role of Senior Vice President, Special Assignments. In his new role, Davis will lead 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.  He also will play an integral role in the coaching and mentorship of the company’s next generation of senior leadership.
  • Tom Donnelly, previously Regional General Manager for the Western Region, has been promoted to Vice President, Sales and Retail Operations, replacing Ron Stettner. Stettner leaves Mazda after nine years to pursue other opportunities.
  • Kara Hudson, previously Director, Training, has been promoted to Regional General Manager, Western Region, replacing Tom Donnelly.

Regarding these changes to his senior leadership team, Moro added, “I am excited to announce these changes to our team today, as they signal our commitment to developing the next generation of Mazda’s leadership team.  But more importantly, they underscore the depth and strength of our team in the U.S.  I will be leaning heavily on Robert Davis to tap into his nearly 30 years of Mazda experience for his critical new role, and to be a mentor to both Tom and Kara, and to the whole Mazda organization.”

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in

Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/Newsroom.

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