Mazda Appoints A New Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations: Robert T. Davis

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IRVINE, Calif., April 28, 2011 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that, effective May 1, 2011, Robert T. Davis will become senior vice president of the company's newly created U.S. Operations Group.  Formerly senior vice president of research & development, customer service operations and quality, Davis will oversee all U.S. sales operations and training, marketing, customer service and parts, owner loyalty, dealer development, public relations, and dealer affairs.

Mazda's U.S. vehicle logistics, fleet, remarketing, incentives and sales planning have also been reorganized under a new position, vice president/chief of staff U.S. Operations.  Toru Nakajima, currently general manager of global product marketing for MNAO's parent Mazda Motor Corporation, will assume the new post and will report to Davis.

"In order to fully realize Mazda's U.S. growth potential in the next few years, we significantly reshaped our organization to focus even more effort and resources on our business here in the States," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of MNAO.  "During his 20-plus years at Mazda, Robert has held key management positions in virtually every department and division in the company, giving him the experience and expertise needed to lead our U.S. expansion."

In addition to holding various MNAO field and corporate positions, Davis has served as MNAO's senior vice president, marketing and product development; vice president, product strategy and development; and regional general manager of MNAO's Midwest Region.  He earned his bachelor's degree in finance from Clemson University and his MBA from Georgia State University.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.  Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.