Mazda N. America CFO Gets Expanded Duties

Jim Lievois, CFO for Mazda Motor Corp.’s North American operations, has added the title of executive vice president for the group.

In addition to his financial duties, Lievois also will oversee Mazda North America’s sales, service and marketing activities. He will continue to report to CEO Masahiro Moro.

In his new role, Lievois will be tasked with developing and implementing an innovative and technology-driven “customer-centric” approach to sales and marketing. Mazda expects customer relations to become increasingly important as it tries to reposition itself as a more premium brand within the industry.

Lievois joined Mazda in 1997. His 35-year automotive career includes a 16-year stint at Ford Motor Co. Lievois has a marketing degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from the University of Detroit.