MAZDA APPOINTS NEW EASTERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR

November 7, 2014 by Mazda

WASHINGTON, DC (Nov. 7, 2014) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announces that Blase De Leo has been named to the newly-created role of Regional Director, Eastern U.S. The move also includes two more employee promotions in both the Northeast and Southeast regions.

In his new role, De Leo will oversee the Northeast and Southeast Regions for MNAO and report directly to Ron Stettner, Vice President, U.S. Sales Operations. Previously, De Leo served as the Regional General Manager in the Southeast Region. De Leo has been with Mazda for 21 years holding a variety of key management positions.

'Blase has been a great leader,' said Ron Stettner, Vice President, U.S. Sales Operations. 'His new appointment will make our team stronger and help unite our operations on the East Coast.'

Maria Zlidar, who is currently serving as the Regional Sales Manager in the Midwest Region, has been named to the role of Regional General Manager in the Southeast Region. Zlidar, who has been with the Midwest Region since August 2006, has previously served as Regional Marketing Manager, Sales Operations Manager, and Zone Sales Manager.

Brian Nash, who is currently serving as the Regional Sales Manager in the Southeast Region, has been named to the role of Regional General Manager in the Northeast Region. Prior to joining MNAO in June 2013, Nash held a number of retail automotive leadership positions including General Manager of a luxury brand.

In their new roles, both Zlidar and Nash will report directly to De Leo.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.