LOS ANGELES — Mazda is promoting several executives following the retirement of North American operations chief Jim Lievois, effective April 1.
Ryuichi Umeshita has been appointed executive vice president and assistant to the president, overseeing U.S. operations, Mazda told Automotive News in a statement Friday.
Umeshita is currently executive officer of brand enhancement, global marketing, sales and customer service at Mazda Motor Corp. in Japan. He will report to Jeff Guyton, president of Mazda North American Operations, the company said.
Tom Donnelly, senior vice president of retail operations, will have expanded responsibilities that include the oversight of regional operations, aftersales, technical service and vehicle distribution, Mazda said. He will report to Umeshita.
Brian Nash will move from managing director of eastern U.S. to vice president of regional operations, responsible for leading all regional teams, Mazda said.
“We have ambitious goals ahead as we enhance our dealer network and increase our product offering,” Guyton said in the statement. “With these structural changes at the executive level I believe we are setting the stage for great success. These moves also open up a number of development opportunities for our talented team of professionals across the U.S.”
Lievois is retiring from his post as executive vice president of operations, where he’s responsible for overseeing sales, service and marketing in North America.