In his new position, Mr Gaessler will play an essential role in business innovation at Mazda’s European and North American organisations; and he will handle regional and senior management reviews, marketing plans and long-term strategy.

After spending nine years with Adam Opel AG in various management positions, Mr Gaessler joined Mazda in 2005 as manager for product planning at the company’s European R&D centre in Oberursel, Germany. In 2008 he was promoted to senior manager for Advanced Product Strategy, a position he held until moving to Japan this month.

During his tenure in Europe, Mr Gaessler played a key role in Mazda adding three additional models and several new technologies to its current line-up. He was also closely involved in developing acclaimed Mazda concept cars Hakaze, Kazamai and Kyora; and in Mazda’s next-generation eco-friendly SKY Technologies set for roll-out next year.

'I want to thank Benno for the great work he did during the last five years,' said Hiroyuki Matsumoto, vice president R&D Centre at Mazda Motor Europe. 'He set a high standard in defining the Mazda brand, and in helping us get the vehicles to market that our customers want. We wish him the best of luck in his new position at Mazda in Japan.'