Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that Mr Vinesh Bhindi will become managing director of Mazda Australia from April 3, 2017, following the retirement of Mr Martin Benders.

Mr Benders has enjoyed a 32 year career with Mazda, including the last four as managing director in Australia.

During his time as managing director, Mr Benders led the company to record sales and a 10 per cent domestic market share, expanded its successful national dealer network, and relocated the business into a new purpose-built head office in Mulgrave, Victoria.

Mr Yuji Nakamine, Mazda Motor Corporation director and senior managing executive officer in charge of oversight of operations in Europe, Asia & Oceania, Middle East & Africa and new emerging markets, paid tribute to the retiring Mr Benders: "Martin Benders leaves Mazda after over 30 years of success both in Australia and overseas. We thank him for his leadership and wish him well for a well-deserved retirement."

Having worked for Mazda for 21 years, including the last seven as director of sales, Mr Bhindi's Mazda career started as a Melbourne-based dealer business manager, followed by a range of other senior roles, including state manager for both Victoria and New South Wales.

"Vinesh brings a new generation of management and leadership to the Mazda Australia organisation," Mr Nakamine revealed.

"He enjoys the support of the Mazda Australia team and its dealer network and we look forward to continued success for our brand in the Australian market."

In other personnel news, Mr David Hughes returns to Mazda Australia after a successful assignment establishing Mazda's all-new sales company in South Africa.

Mr Hughes will become senior director sales and special projects with a remit to lead the sales operation and some cross-functional projects to improve the Mazda Australia business moving forward.