Mazda Announces Major Marketing Changes - Davis Replaces Simmons

Robert Davis Appointed Senior Vice President, Marketing and Product Development

IRVINE, Calif., June 11 -- Mazda North American Operations today announced major organizational changes in its Marketing Division and Product Development and Strategy Division (PDS). Robert T. Davis has been named Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Development, a newly created position, and will replace Kristen Simmons, vice president Marketing Operations, who resigned to take a senior marketing position outside of the automotive industry.

Davis, a 13-year veteran of MNAO, now assumes responsibility for the Marketing Division along with his current PDS responsibilities. He reports to John Mendel, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

"This new position allows us to more closely align our marketing and product development activities to enhance Mazda's market presence," Mendel said. "Robert's two years leading PDS has helped us deliver outstanding products that are the essence of Mazda. I'm counting on this experience and his background in sales and field operations to build on the great work that's already been done."

As part of the restructuring, two new positions have been created, both reporting to Davis. Eric Johnston, director of model line marketing, has been appointed Director Marketing, responsible for all operational marketing functions. The new Director of Product Strategy, a Mazda appointee who will oversee the product marketing and advanced activities groups, will be announced later in the month.

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.