Mazda North American Operations Announces Organizational Appointments

Don Romano Assumes New V.P. of Marketing Post

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 1 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the promotion of Don Romano to Vice President of Marketing, effective December 1. In his new position, Romano will be responsible for marketing communications, internet, vehicle and personal incentives, customer relationship management, direct marketing and the Customer Assistance Center (CAC) for Mazda North American Operations.

In the four years he has been with Mazda, Romano has held the positions of Group Manager, Demand and Western Regional General Manager. As Western RGM, Romano guided the region to a top overall ranking based on performance versus objective in sales, fixed operations, customer satisfaction, market representation and budget management.

Mazda also announced that Eric Johnston will replace Romano as Western RGM. A 14-year veteran of Mazda, Johnston has held numerous positions including district sales manager, product marketing manager, and worldwide revenue manager.

In his previous position as Director of Marketing, Johnston was instrumental in managing the company's marketing, advertising and sales incentives. As MNAO's Western RGM, he will direct all regional activities related to vehicle distribution, market development and representation, advertising, sales promotions and incentives.

"Both Don and Eric have brought great strategic insight and success to our business," said John Mendel, Executive Vice President & COO, Mazda North American Operations. "Their new appointments will provide them additional professional growth while collectively helping to increase Mazda's awareness and sales in the U.S. market."

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