MAZDA Australia has appointed Daniel Wakelam to the newly created position within its sales and marketing team.

Mr Wakelam, who has worked at Mazda since 2006, has been appointed as national manager, product and business strategy, effective immediately.

Daniel Wakelam

The role oversees Mazda Australia’s product strategy and business mid-term planning, as well as taking overall responsibility for monitoring market competitiveness and administration of dealer reporting and the promotional budget.

He will also play a critical role in managing the requirements of the new vehicle efficiency standards (NVES) which came into effect on July 1 this year.

Prior to the promotion, Mr Wakelam spent a decade as senior manager – product; six years as senior manager – sales promotion; and three years as sales planning manager at Mazda Australia.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to bring some of Mazda’s most popular and iconic models to market in my time leading Mazda Australia’s product planning,” said Mr Wakelam.

“This new role effectively allows me to align all my previous roles into one function, ensuring my team and I take responsibility not just for the planning and launch phases of new vehicles, but also for closely nurturing success right through their respective life cycles.

“Another exciting aspect of my new role will be the opportunity to engage with and inform Australian media on Mazda’s business direction and future strategies in the context of our very dynamic and competitive market.”

Mazda Australia director of sales and marketing Jarrod Gieschen said: “With more than 19 years’ experience with Mazda Australia in both sales and product roles where Daniel has been a key player in providing high level advice for executive decision making, this promotion is well deserved and I have no doubt Daniel can hit the ground running to lead this important area of the business.”