IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that, effective immediately, Leopoldo "Polo" Orellana, currently Managing Director of Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM), will become President of MMdM.  Clark Colby, currently MMdM's Assistant Managing Director, will become Managing Director of MMdM's Operations.

As President, Orellana's responsibilities will be expanded beyond MMdM's sales, marketing and customer service and parts to also include strategic support for Mazda's new vehicle and engine assembly plant in Salamanca, Mexico, which will begin operation in 2013.

Orellana was named Managing Director of Mazda Motor de Mexico in 2005 when the company was formed, and became its first employee when MMdM began operations in October of the same year.  Since then, Orellana has set up a national network of 31 exclusive Mazda dealerships and overseen MMdM's rapid growth.  Today, Mazda has 3.4-percent of the Mexican automobile market share and is the eighth best-selling nameplate in the country.

"Six years ago Mazda was unknown in Mexico," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of MNAO.  "Under Polo's leadership, Mazda has become one of Mexico's most respected automotive brands and a household name.  His new role as President will position us for further growth in Mexico and help guide our expansion throughout Latin America."

Before joining Mazda Motor de Mexico, Orellana learned his trade at one of the largest companies in the Mexican market.  Colby joined Mazda North American Operations in January 1990 as a Vehicle Systems Specialist. He has held various positions at MNAO, including Group Manager, Retail Development and Director of Dealer Affairs before being appointed Director of Sales Operations at MMdM.

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.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the Mazda media center at  www.mazdausamedia.com.  Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda. 

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

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