MAZDA has appointed Ivan Ruzicka as managing director in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where the manufacturer will open a new sales company from October 1.

He previously worked for GM as director for sales, marketing and aftersales for Opel and Chevrolet Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Mazda Motor Europe’s vice-president Philip Waring said: ‘He has 25 years of successful management experience in Czech Republic and Slovakia in a dynamic and growing automotive sector.’