IRVINE, Calif. -

Mazda North American Operations has named a new vice president of marketing, to head all marketing communications for the company’s U.S. operations.

Appointed to the post, and bringing more than 20 years of industry-focused marketing communications experience, is Russell Wager.

Wager will oversee U.S. marketing communications including print and electronic advertising, social media, the MazdaUSA.com website, public relations, brand experience, auto shows, sales training and aspects of retail operations, the company said.

He will also manage the relationship with the company’s integrated marketing communications agency, The Garage Team Mazda.

“We’re thrilled to have Russell join the Mazda team,” said Jim O’Sullivan, MNAO president and chief executive officer. “He brings a passion and knowledge to the position that will be the cornerstone of our efforts to move the Mazda business in the U.S. to the next level.

“In the agency team we’ve built over the past two years with The Garage Team Mazda, Russell will find a creative and passionate group of people here in Irvine, and we look forward to his leading our communications efforts as we drive Mazda forward,” O’Sullivan said.

Wager spent the past few years in the Asia Pacific region, at TBWA/Hakuhodo International in Tokyo, Mazda noted in announcing his new position.

Most recently, he managed a large automotive account at DDB Advertising, as senior vice president and managing director in the agency’s Beijing office.

Other prior experience for Wager includes work with TBWA\Chiat\Day, davidandgoliath, and Doner Advertising, where he directed the MNAO account that he will now lead.

Wager will report to Robert Davis, senior vice president of U.S. Operations for MNAO, the company reported.