Mazda Chairman to Step Down

Mazda Motor Corp. announces Chairman Hisakazu Imaki will relinquish his post, effective June 24.

Following his departure, Imaki, who served as president and CEO before moving to the chairman post in November 2008, will be named supreme executive advisor.

President and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi in a statement credits Imaki for his years of service.

“Since joining Mazda more than 45 years ago, Mr. Imaki has worked primarily in the areas of production engineering and manufacturing and contributed greatly to the company’s growth,” he says.

“During his term as president from 2003 through 2008, the company posted increases in revenues and profits for seven consecutive years and achieved record profits,” says Yamanouchi, who now assumes the chairman’s title alongside his current posts.

Additionally, Nobuhiro Hayama, director and senior managing executive officer, and Thomas A.H. Pixton, Akira Marumoto and Masamichhi Kogai, who currently serve as senior manageing executive officers, will be promoted to directors.