Mazda Names New Design Chief for Europe

Mazda Motor Corp. has appointed Kevin Rice to take over as design director for Europe on Sept. 1.

He succeeds Peter Birtwhistle, who is retiring after 26 years with Mazda, where he is credited with helping develop the company's "Kodo soul of motion" design theme.

The 50-year-old Rice is a British national who previously was creative director for Mazda's R&D center in Oberursel, Germany.