Joining the ranks of Carroll Shelby, Rick Wagoner, Henry Ford II, Robert Eaton, Lee Iacocca and John DeLorean (to name just a few), James O'Sullivan will receive the 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year Award at an invitation-only luncheon at the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) in May. O'Sullivan is the current President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, and Managing Executive Officer, Mazda Motor Corporation.The award, started in 1964, recognizes excellence in automotive leadership from OEM executives as chosen by a nominating committee comprised of industry media, analysts, and suppliers. O'Sullivan has more than three decades of experience in the industry, and he held many key positions with Ford before heading Mazda. Robert Djurovic, executive director of the Automotive Executive of the Year award program said, "As a native Detroiter with a strong background in the actual sales process, coupled with a lean inventory, a solid partnership with JP Morgan Chase, and a great market offering in the Mazda3, James is the ideal candidate for the 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year." James O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Irvine-based Mazda North American Operations and managing executive of Mazda Motor Corp., was named the 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year.
The award, which will be presented in Detroit in May, recognizes excellence in the industry. Award alums include Carroll Shelby, Lee Iacocca, John DeLorean and Hentry Ford II.
The award’s nominating commitee is made up of auto industry media members, industry analysts and CEOs of auto suppliers.
O’Sullivan oversee’s all of Mazda North American’s operations in U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, including sales, marketing, logistics and communications. He was appointed president and CEO for the comany in 2003.
“It is because of our parent company’s support that Mazda has the best North American dealer body and product portfolio in its history and a chief reason the company is on solid footing during these uncertain economic times,” O’Sullivan said in a news release.
“I am fortunate to be backed by strong executive teams in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that have continually performed beyond expectations.”
The award, which will be presented in Detroit in May, recognizes excellence in the industry. Award alums include Carroll Shelby, Lee Iacocca, John DeLorean and Hentry Ford II.
The award’s nominating commitee is made up of auto industry media members, industry analysts and CEOs of auto suppliers.
O’Sullivan oversee’s all of Mazda North American’s operations in U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, including sales, marketing, logistics and communications. He was appointed president and CEO for the comany in 2003.
“It is because of our parent company’s support that Mazda has the best North American dealer body and product portfolio in its history and a chief reason the company is on solid footing during these uncertain economic times,” O’Sullivan said in a news release.
“I am fortunate to be backed by strong executive teams in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that have continually performed beyond expectations.”
