Kristen Simmons Promoted to Mazda's Vice President of Marketing

    IRVINE, Calif., April 26 Mazda today announced the
promotion of Kristen Simmons to the position of vice president, Marketing.
Formerly director of Marketing, Simmons was one of the chief architects of
Mazda's highly successful "Zoom-Zoom" advertising campaign that has
contributed to the company's 23 percent sales increase for the first quarter
of 2001.
    Simmons joined MNAO in 1999 as Group Manager for Brand Strategy and
Communications.  From 1995 to 1999, she held several marketing positions at
Ford Motor Company, including Corporate Advertising Manager.  From 1992 to
1995, Simmons was Division Marketing Manager for a division of The Polk
Company.
    Stephen Odell, MNAO executive vice president and chief operating officer,
in announcing her appointment praised Simmons for her leadership in developing
and implementing Mazda's brand and marketing strategy.  "Kristen brings
talent, expertise and energy to the Marketing group that in the time she's
been with Mazda has created much greater awareness for the brand and our
products," Odell said.
    In her new position, Simmons will be responsible for all of the company's
marketing activities including advertising, e-commerce and consumer
relationship management.
    Simmons received her Bachelor of Science in Business from the University
of Virginia, and went on to earn an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg
Graduate School of Business.

    Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and
marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United
States.  Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships
nationwide.

                    MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT -  Click Here
               http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X97135686