Jacques Flynn will now lead all design-related activities for Mazda in North America after the automaker promoted him to senior director for Mazda Design America, the company announced Tuesday.
He previously served as brand style director for Mazda Design America from 2022 to 2023, according to Mazda, after rejoining the company from EV startup Karma Automotive, according to Flynn’s LinkedIn profile. During his five-year tenure at Karma, Flynn worked on the design of the company’s concept vehicles. He was also the lead exterior designer at Mazda Design America from 2006 to 2017, where he helped design the current fourth-generation MX-5 sports car.
"Flynn's extensive background in brand management positions him as a vital asset for Mazda Design and Brand Style as we transition into the [connected, automated, shared and electric vehicle] era," said Ryotaro Nishida, vice president of research and development, design and quality assurance at Mazda North American Operations, in a statement. "His remarkable achievements and unwavering passion for design will help him lead his department with foresight and innovation into the next phase of our journey."
Flynn replaces Yasutake Tsuchida, who left the organization in February, a Mazda spokesperson confirmed in an email. Tsuchida ran design operations, including next-generation vehicle planning and brand strategy development, at Mazda Design America from March 2021 until his departure, according to a press release.
