Mazda Motor Europe has appointed Martin Benders as its vice president for European sales operations.

He reports to chief operating officer, Philip J. Waring.

Benders has worked for Mazda since 1985, when he joined the company as administration manager for Mazda Australia.

After this he held various executive positions, including regional sales manager and national marketing director. His most recent position was general manager of the global marketing division at Mazda headquarters in Japan.