Mazda Selects WPP to Support Marketing Communications Efforts in North America

- 'Team Mazda' takes over as New Agency of Record -

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Oct 14, 2010, 12:00 ET

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a comprehensive advertising agency review, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that WPP Group has officially taken over as its full-service marketing-communications partner. The new entity, named "Team Mazda," is comprised of various WPP marketing agencies and will be responsible for providing strategic marketing and communications support for MNAO's U.S., Canadian and Mexican operations. Team Mazda will be headquartered in Irvine, Calif., near MNAO's headquarters.

"We're in a new era of marketing that is continually changing and evolving," said Don Romano, MNAO chief marketing officer and president, Mazda Canada, Inc. "Team Mazda will leverage the best of WPP's multitude of marketing and media specialties for a more integrated approach to our marketing-communications, and we're confident they will help us take the Mazda brand to the next level."

Team Mazda will be led by David Latta, managing director, and Harvey Marco, executive creative officer. Latta brings more than 20 years of automotive experience and most recently served as executive vice president, national account director at Young & Rubicam. Marco most recently served as chief creative officer at JWT New York and has more than 20 years experience in advertising.

"Based on what we've seen from David, Harvey and all of Team Mazda throughout the transition period, we expect great things to come from this relationship," said John Abel, director, marketing, MNAO. "Team Mazda brings a tremendous amount of resources from all over the globe, including consumer insights, brand strategy, business planning and analytics, which will enable us to build upon Mazda's brand equity in North America."

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in the United States in 2010, 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, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations