Thai National Named to Head Local Mazda Operations

Mazda Thailand makes history by naming its first-ever Thai president, while promoting a new generation of Thai executives to top management positions in key departments.

Japan-based parent Mazda says the promotions reflect the outstanding capability and potential of Thais in managing multinational companies.

Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk, the new Mazda Thailand president, has been involved with production of Mazda vehicles at the AutoAlliance Thailand plant in Rayong province for more than 20 years.

Chanchai has been with the AAT plant since it was built, becoming head of engine assembly in 1996, then vice president in 2005 and president in 2015.

“His contribution during to the last 19 years has helped AAT become one of the most advanced global passenger-car and pickup-truck production centers with a healthy dose of technology transfer to Thai production,” Mazda says in a statement.

Chanchai takes over as Mazda Thailand president for Hidesuke Takesue, who has completed his term and will return to Japan to take up a global sales position.

Takesue says the management localization is what Mazda’s executive board has been trying to achieve during the past several years. The aim is to develop the full potential of Thai executives and to let them use all their capabilities in running the Mazda business.

“After years of nurturing the time has come for the Thai people to step up to the global stage,” Takesue says. “This is the new president and the first Thai in Mazda who will be creating history for the world to see.”

As president, Chanchai is expected to focus on strengthening the Mazda brand under the One Mazda strategy that combines all departments into a cohesive organization that works professionally toward a common goal.

One of Chanchai’s first acts as president was to approve the promotion of several Thai executives to head key departments, including marketing, sales, customer service, parts, finance, human resources and government affairs.