Ford of Britain's marketing director John Mendel has been appointed executive vice president, sales and marketing, customer service and parts for Mazda's north American operations.

Mr Mendel will replace Stephen Odell, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Mazda North America, who will leave to take up the post of senior advisor of Mazda Motor Corporation and president of its subsidiary Mazda Motor Europe. Both appointments are effective from January 1, 2002.