IRVINE, Calif., March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations, has been named the Global Auto News "Chairman's Award" winner for 2014.

This is the fifth Chairman's Award given by Global Auto News to an automotive executive they feel best represents his or her company through appearances at auto shows, product launches and other public events across the United States. This year's selection was based on the executive who the panel felt best influenced their companies sales and market share during 2014.

"Without a doubt, Jim O'Sullivan and his team have delivered for Mazda in the U.S.," said Bill McCallum, publisher of Global Auto News. "For calendar year 2014, MNAO posted its best sales year since 1994 – topping 300,000 in sales for the first time in 20 years."

The award recipient is chosen each year by a panel of nine journalists. O'Sullivan will be honored at the Global Auto News Legends of Auto event, taking place during the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November. O'Sullivan was selected from a group of three nominees, including Jim Lentz, CEO, Toyota North America, and Sergio Marchionne, CEO, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.  Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.  For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations