Mazda Canada will soon have a new leader. And she will make history.

The automaker announced president and CEO David Klan is retiring effective Oct. 1, and his successor will be senior director and chief operating officer Amy Fleming.

Fleming, a veteran of more than three decades in the auto industry, will be the first woman to serve as Mazda Canada’s president and CEO.

“It’s an incredible honor to lead Mazda Canada at such a pivotal time in our industry,” Fleming said. “Under Dave’s leadership, we’ve built a strong foundation for success, and I’m committed to continuing to build on that momentum with our talented team and passionate retailers across the country.

“With our award-winning product lineup and our mission to building lasting emotional connections to our products and people, I’m excited for the future of Mazda in Canada.”

Fleming’s career began while still in school, working at a dealership in her hometown of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and later worked in corporate and retail roles with GMAC — now known as Ally Financial — and a Saturn dealership.

She joined Mazda Canada in 2006 and has been a member of the executive team for the past decade, working in operations, customer relations, marketing and sales. In a news release, the company said her extensive involvement in all areas of the business has made a “major positive impact” on Mazda Canada’s operations, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fleming was promoted to her current position in 2023, overseeing national sales, marketing, fixed operations and customer experience operations.

Klan is stepping down after 33 years with Mazda with a resume that includes stints as director of marketing and regional general manager of Mazda North American operations in the U.S., and general manager of global brand marketing for Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan.

After returning to Canada in 2009, he led the company’s national sales, marketing and regional operations as senior director before becoming president and CEO in 2019.

“Every part of my journey at Mazda has been deeply rewarding, and it’s been a pleasure working with the best teams in the business,” Klan said. “Mazda in Canada has outstanding momentum and it’s a distinct privilege to hand over the reins to my chosen successor, Amy Fleming. Amy is an exceptional leader with unparalleled drive and dedication, and I’m confident she will continue to drive Mazda forward with vision and purpose.”

Mazda Canada said Klan has “championed a strong people-first culture” and led the company to record levels of business quality, earning awards such as 10 consecutive years on Greater Toronto’s Top Employer List and the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association’s top two awards — Highest Overall Satisfaction and Most Effective Dealer Communications — six years in a row.

Mazda Dealer Council chair Mitch Lewicki, general manager of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park, Alberta, speaking on behalf of Mazda’s Canadian dealers, offered “heartfelt thanks” to Klan for his “outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment” to the Mazda brand.

“His vision and steady hand have guided Mazda Canada through a pivotal time,” Lewicki said, “strengthening our position in a rapidly evolving market. … We are also pleased to welcome Amy Fleming as the new president and CEO of Mazda Canada. Amy brings a deep understanding of both the retailer and OEM perspectives, and we are confident in her ability to build on our momentum. Her collaborative approach and strategic insight position Mazda Canada for continued success in the years ahead.”