Mazda Motor Europe has announced that Kunihiro Shishima is the new Vice President of European Research & Development and General Manager of the Mazda European Research & Development Centre (MRE) as of 1 April 2025.
The 51-year-old Japanese national takes over from Yasunori Takahara, who has led MRE since April 2023.
Kunihiro Shishima began his career at Mazda Motor Corporation in 1999 and has worked in various positions focusing on environmental performance development. Since 2023, he has been the General Manager of the Drivability and Environmental Development Department at Mazda headquarters in Japan.
Martijn ten Brink, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Europe, commented:
“In the dynamic landscape of the European automotive industry, Mazda’s Research and Development Centre is key for advancing our cutting-edge technologies and solutions, making sure our cars exceed the expectations of the European driver. I am happy to welcome Kunihiro Shishima, an experienced manager from Japan, to lead us through this pivotal period. I also want to thank Yasunori Takahara for leading our European R&D team over the past two years, including the successful launches of the Mazda CX-80 and the Mazda6e. I wish him all the best in his new responsibilities at our global headquarters in Japan.”
Yasunori Takahara (49) will return to the Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan to take charge as Program Manager of the Product Development Division.
BIOGRAPHY – Kunihiro Shishima
Vice President Research & Development, Mazda Motor Europe
General Manager of Mazda Research & Development Europe
Apr 2025 Vice President Research & Development, Mazda Motor Europe
General Manager of Mazda Research & Development Europe
Apr 2023 General Manager,
Drivability & Environmental Performance Development Dept. Mazda Motor Corporation
Apr 2020 Manager, Environmental Performance Development Gr. Mazda Motor Corporation
Apr 2011 Several positions in Environmental Performance Development Gr. Mazda Motor Corporation
Nov 2007
Apr 1999
Program Manager, Powertrain Development Gr. Mazda North American Operation
Joined the Mazda Motor Corporation, Powertrain Development Division
Mazda Motor Corporation
Education 1999: Master of Engineering from the Kyusyu University, Japan
