IRVINE, Calif. - Mazda North American Operations today announced the recent appointment of Danica Laub as communications specialist. Reporting to Jeremy Barnes, group manager, product communications, Laub will serve as a media contact for all North American media on issues relating to Mazda’s current and future vehicles, corporate marketing and event communications and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca events.

In making the announcement, Jay Amestoy, vice president of public and government affairs, said, “We are very happy to have Danica on board. Her industry knowledge, media relations experience and life-long passion for automobiles make her the perfect addition to our team.” Laub joins Mazda from Ketchum public relations in Venice, Calif., where she held a similar position in product and corporate communications, working for Hyundai Motor America. Prior to that, she worked with Motor Trend Auto Shows, Inc., where she helped develop public relations campaigns, broadcast advertising, and special events for new-model auto shows. She began her career as a news reporter at The Sentinel, her hometown newspaper in Lewistown, Pa. Laub holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Pennsylvania State University.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.