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IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda North American Operations has a new vice president of sales. Named to take the post was Ron Stettner, who was most recently Midwest regional general manager.

Meanwhile, Eric Johnston, who had been vice president of sales, is taking on the role of vice president of strategic planning and market integration. He takes the place of Nobuyuki Sato in that capacity, as Sato moves into the new post of MNAO vice president on assignment as assistant to the president at Mazda Canada. These moves became effective Thursday.

As far as who will take Stettner's prior position as Midwest regional general manager, that is to be announced later.

With Sato moving into this new role with Mazda Canada, he reports to Keishi Egawa, chief operating officer of MNAO, and Jim O'Sullivan, president and chief executive officer.

However, day-to-day, Sato is to work with MNAO chief marketing officer and MCI president Don Romano.

Commenting on the moves, O'Sullivan noted: "In addition to strong leadership and communication skills exhibited by all three of these very talented individuals, Eric, Ron and Nick will bring to their new positions a combined 60 years of invaluable industry and Mazda operational insight and experience.

"I am counting on this — and their high levels of energy and enthusiasm — to help take MNAO to the next level," he added.