#Mazda North America #Takuji Iwashita #Mazda Toyota Manufacturing

Mazda North American Operations Announces Executive Leadership Changes

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has officially declared pivotal shifts in its executive leadership team, effective from April 1, 2025. This announcement highlights the company's commitment to evolving its operational strategies and leadership structure in the North American automotive market.

Leadership Transition

Takuji Iwashita, who is currently spearheading Mazda de México Vehicle Operation, is set to take on the role of Executive Vice President at MNAO. He will be succeeding Takeshi Nishiki, who transitions back to Mazda Motor Corporation to head the Corporate Strategy Division. Iwashita will oversee several key operations, including Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), as well as manage the company's operations in Canada, Mexico, and Colombia. His experience in the industry is expected to enhance collaboration and operational efficiency across these regions.

Takashi Suzuki, the Senior Director of Procurement at MNAO, has been appointed as Vice President of Monozukuri Operations. In this capacity, he will manage the business's profitability and oversee the supply chain management of components. Suzuki's role will focus on cost optimization and harmonizing standards, processes, and operations, particularly at MTM.

Naoki Okano, formerly the Senior Vice President of Monozukuri Operations, will become the General Manager of the Product Development Division at Mazda Motor Corporation—a move anticipated to reinforce the company's product innovation strategies.

A Commitment to Excellence

These changes come with the aim of fortifying Mazda’s presence and operations in North America and Latin America as they continue to pursue excellence in customer service and manufacturing processes. By placing a strong emphasis on collaboration within their executive ranks, MNAO seeks to leverage the diverse insights that come from various markets.

Mazda, with its roots in Hiroshima, Japan, holds a reputation for sophisticated craftsmanship and relentless innovation. The company's mission is to enrich the