Yamanouchi to leave Mazda

Takashi Yamanouchi is leaving Mazda Motor Corporation at the end of June after 47 years.

Yamanouchi is chairman of the board and representative director. The 69-year-old, who also served as Mazda's president and chief executive officer between 2008 and 2013, will be replaced by Seita Kanai, currently vice chairman and representative director. Yamanouchi ends a career at the unconventional carmaker that began 47 years ago.

Masamichi Kogai, Mazda's current president and chief executive officer, praised Yamanouchi's leadership, particularly during the global economic crisis that erupted in 2008.

"To break with the company's history of repeated ups and downs as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate and changes in the market environment, Yamanouchi took the lead to formulate and implement a structural reform plan, thus restructuring and reinforcing the company's overseas production, including opening a new plant in Mexico and promoting global alliances," said Kogai.

"Yamanouchi also concentrated resources on bringing out Mazda's uniqueness through its SKYACTIV Technology and KODO - Soul of Motion design. By leveraging Mazda's distinctiveness and competitive edge, he vigorously promoted reform of the company's entire business, innovations in sales and strengthening of the brand, and laying the foundation for Mazda's revitalisation and sustainable growth,” added Kogai.

Changes take effect after the Mazda's ordinary general meeting of shareholders on 24 June.                                                                   ∎