MAZDA Motor Europe has appointed Martijn ten Brink as president and CEO effective June 24, replacing Yasuhiro Aoyama who returns to the headquarters in Japan as director and senior managing executive officer for global marketing, sales and customer service.

Mr ten Brink is currently vice-president of sales and customer service at Mazda in Europe, a role he has held since 2014.

Mazda’s president and CEO Akira Marumoto said: “Martijn has been with Mazda for over two decades in many roles, including country management, and he has all the skills required to drive our European operation forward.”

“We wish him every success in his role and would like to thank Yasuhiro Aoyama for his dedication to Europe for the last two years and look forward to welcoming him back to our global headquarters in Hiroshima.”

Mr ten Brink said: “I am incredibly proud to have been given the opportunity to lead this great business in Europe. But what really excites me is where we are going to take Mazda during the next decade.”

“For the last few years we have been launching products that are successfully going toe-to-toe with the more recognised premium brands, creating new Mazda customers from people who had never previously considered our brand.

“With the products, services and new experiences I know we are launching in the next few years, I will be devoting all my efforts to accelerating our journey.”

By Neil Dowling