Mazda Canada Inc. Announces Leadership Transition

RICHMOND HILL, ON, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Mazda Canada Inc. announces that effective October 1, 2025, David Klan, President and CEO will retire and be succeeded by current Senior Director and Chief Operating Officer, Amy Fleming.

A 33-year veteran of Mazda, David has held numerous executive positions globally since he started in 1992, including Director of Marketing and Regional General Manager at Mazda North American Operations in the United States, and General Manager of Global Brand Marketing at Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan. After returning to Canada in 2009, David led the company's national sales, marketing, and regional operations as Senior Director before becoming President & CEO in 2019.

Under his six years of leadership as President and CEO of Mazda Canada, David has championed a strong people-first culture and led the company to record levels of business quality. Mazda Canada has also earned several prestigious accolades including a spot on the Greater Toronto's Top Employer List for ten consecutive years and earning the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association's top two awards - Highest Overall Satisfaction and Most Effective Dealer Communications – for six consecutive years.

"Every part of my journey at Mazda has been deeply rewarding, and it's been a pleasure working with the best teams in the business" said David Klan. "Mazda in Canada has outstanding momentum and it's a distinct privilege to hand over the reins to my chosen successor, Amy Fleming. Amy is an exceptional leader with unparalleled drive and dedication, and I'm confident she will continue to drive Mazda forward with vision and purpose."

Mazda Canada's incoming President and CEO, Amy Fleming, possesses a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Schwartz School of Business and Information Systems and is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University. She started her career in automotive more than three decades ago at a dealership in her hometown of Antigonish, Nova Scotia where she worked while pursuing her studies. After graduation, she continued her automotive career in Ontario, working in both the corporate and retail side for several years. After developing a strong foundation in dealership operations, she joined Mazda Canada in 2006 and has been a key member of the executive team for the past decade. With her extensive involvement in all areas of the business, she has had a major positive impact on Mazda Canada's operations, notably amid the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic. She assumed the position of Senior Director and Chief Operating Officer in 2023 and currently oversees national sales, marketing, fixed operations, and customer experience operations. In recognition of her transformative leadership and commitment to putting people first, just last month, Fleming received the prestigious honor of being named one of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry by Automotive News for a second time. This marks the first time in Mazda Canada's history that a woman holds the role of President and CEO.

"It's an incredible honour to lead Mazda Canada at such a pivotal time in our industry," said Amy Fleming. "Under Dave's leadership, we've built a strong foundation for success, and I'm committed to continuing to build on that momentum with our talented team and passionate retailers across the country. With our award-winning product line-up, and our mission to building lasting emotional connections to our products and people, I'm excited for the future of Mazda in Canada."

"On behalf of Mazda Motor Corporation, I want to extend our appreciation to David for both his leadership and tremendous contributions over 33 years of service, and I am delighted to welcome Amy to her new role in Mazda Canada," said Jeff Guyton, Representative Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer and CFO, Mazda Motor Corporation. "Amy has twice been recognized as one of the Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News, and I am certain that Mazda Canada will continue its growth and success under Amy's leadership."

"On behalf of Mazda retailers across Canada, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dave for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the Mazda brand," said Mitch Lewicki, Mazda Dealer Council Chair and General Manager of Park Mazda. "His vision and steady hand have guided Mazda Canada through a pivotal time, strengthening our position in a rapidly evolving market. As he moves into a well-earned retirement, we wish him all the best in this next chapter. We are also pleased to welcome Amy Fleming as the new President and CEO of Mazda Canada. Amy brings a deep understanding of both the retailer and OEM perspectives, and we are confident in her ability to build on our momentum. Her collaborative approach and strategic insight position Mazda Canada for continued success in the years ahead."

Klan will remain President and CEO until September 30, 2025, ensuring a smooth transition as Fleming, his close collaborator and the second consecutive Canadian in the role, assumes leadership.

About Mazda Canada Inc.

Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. 

Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 163 retail stores. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca.

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SOURCE Mazda Canada Inc.