WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 11, 2023) – Bob Pan, the Senior Director of Sales Planning & Supply Chain Innovation at Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), has been honored as a 2023 Rising Star by Automotive News.
The Rising Stars program acknowledges talented and dedicated executives in the U.S. automotive industry who are under the age of 45. These individuals have the potential to become future leaders in various sectors such as manufacturing, supply, mobility, and services.
Tom Donnelly, the President and CEO of MNAO, expressed pride in Bob Pan’s recognition as an Automotive News Rising Star. Donnelly credited Pan’s leadership for transforming Mazda’s operations in the United States and contributing significantly to the company’s growth in North America. Pan and his team utilize a data-driven approach that provides actionable insights.
Bob Pan began his journey at Mazda in 2008 and has been a part of the Sales Planning department. During his time there, he has revolutionized Mazda’s perspective on its business and challenged the organization to be more adaptable in deploying incentives and placing vehicles in markets with the highest potential. As a result, Mazda has achieved three consecutive annual market share records since 2019.
Pan also previously worked in Mazda’s Strategic Planning department, where he played a crucial role in developing and solidifying Mazda’s value creation strategy known as Brand Value Management. This new direction required Mazda to redefine its fundamental beliefs and set goals to increase both volume and transaction price, a rare accomplishment in the automotive industry.
Automotive News has been recognizing rising stars in the industry since 2014. This year’s honorees represent 24 companies and various disciplines, including executive management, purchasing, engineering, mobility, and design.
Mazda North American Operations, headquartered in Irvine, California, oversees the sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support for Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia through around 795 dealers. Mazda Canada Inc. manages operations in Canada, while Mazda Motor de Mexico and Mazda de Colombia handle operations in Mexico and Colombia, respectively.
For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.
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Contact:
Tamara Mlynarczyk, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com
Drew Cary, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com