Mazda puts Waring incharge of marketing

Mazda Motor Europe has promoted vice-president of sales Philip Waring to chief operating officer. He will handle the marketing responsibilities as part of his new role.

Waring takes on the marketing remit from Masahiro Moro, the vice-president of marketing in Europe, who has moved to Mazda’s head office in Japan.

In his new role, Waring will build on Mazda’s existing marketing strategy and look to develop closer ties between its sales and marketing organisations.

Waring joined Mazda Motors UK in 2001 as its dealer operations director. He was promoted to managing director in 2003 and, in July 2005, was promoted to the role of vice-president for sales. He replaced James Muir, who was promoted to chief executive of the Japanese automaker’s European division.

Prior to joining Mazda, Waring has held several marketing and sales roles at Ford Motors UK.

Meanwhile, Moro will take on the role of executive officer and will work alongside the global marketing and sales chief.

He joined the car manufacturer in 1983 and worked in various sales and marketing roles, including two years as general manager of its global marketing division, before joining its European operation in March 2004.

Separately, US swimmer and Olympic star Michael Phelps is reported to have signed a deal to becomebrand spokesman for Mazda. It is understood that he will promote the new Mazda 6 model in an integrated ad campaign.