IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced that Russell Wager was named vice president of marketing for the company's U.S. Operations. Wager brings with him more than 20 years of automotive marketing experience.

"We're thrilled to have Russell join the Mazda team," said Jim O'Sullivan, MNAO president and CEO. "He brings a passion and knowledge to the position that will be the cornerstone of our efforts to move the Mazda business in the U.S. to the next level. In the agency team we've built over the past two years with The Garage Team Mazda, Russell will find a creative and passionate group of people here in Irvine, and we look forward to his leading our communications efforts as we drive Mazda forward."

Wager will oversee all aspects of U.S. marketing communications, including print and electronic advertising, social media, the MazdaUSA.com website, public relations, brand experience, auto shows, sales training and aspects of retail operations. He will also manage the relationship with the company's integrated marketing communications agency, The Garage Team Mazda.

Wager joins Mazda from the Asia Pacific region where he spent the last few years at TBWA/Hakuhodo International in Tokyo. He has also led major automotive accounts at a number of the top advertising and marketing agencies in the world, including TBWA\Chiat\Day, davidandgoliath and Doner Advertising, where he directed the MNAO account that he will now lead.

Wager will report to Robert Davis, MNAO's senior vice president of U.S. Operations.