Mazda North American Operations has named Jeffrey Guyton as its president, following the promotion of Masahiro Moro to chairman and chief executive of Mazda's North American business unit.

Guyton, who will begin his new assignment April 1, will oversee Mazda operations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including sales, marketing, parts and service, logistics, R&D, customer support and regional operations. In his expanded role, Moro will oversee Mazda Canada and Mazda Motor de Mexico.

Guyton comes to role from Europe, where he served as president and chief executive of Mazda Motor Europe. He spent 16 years with Mazda's European business unit.

"The North American markets are crucial to Mazda’s success globally, and we have made significant investments here, particularly in a new joint venture production facility in Alabama," said Moro. "Jeff will be instrumental in delivering significant business growth here in the U.S. During his 16 years at MME, Jeff successfully elevated both brand value and profit in Europe, and I know he will be a strong leader for MNAO as we continue on our journey to premium."

Mazda and Toyota are building a $1.6-billion joint manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. It will build the 2020 Toyota Corolla and Mazda's yet-to-be-revealed crossover.

Mazda's North American business is based in Irvine, California.