Mazda Motor Corporation chairman Takashi Yamanouchi’s term has expired and he will step down in favour of vice chairman Seita Kanai.
In 47 years at Mazda [the company was called Toyo Kogyo until 1984 but always used the brand for its cars – ed] Yamanouchi worked primarily in sales, planning, personnel, finance and administration and became president and chief executive officer in 2008. After the financial crash of 2008, he came up with a structural reform plan, restructuring and expanding the company’s overseas production including a new plant in Mexico, and promoting global alliances as well as winding down the links to Ford.
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Yamanouchi also concentrated management resources on unique Skyactiv mechanical efficiency technology for engines and transmissions and ‘Kodo-Soul of Motion’ styling.
The company returned to profit in the year to 31 March, 2013 and Yamanouchi became chairman as Mazda booked record profits for fiscal year 2014 and achieved the targets of its medium-term profit plan two years ahead of schedule.
