It is with profound sadness that Mazda North American Operations shares the passing of our beloved former Director of Design, Tom Matano, who left us at the age of 77 years old.
Tom was more than a designer, he was a true icon and a warm, approachable individual whose passion for creating vehicles that inspire joy, and connection fundamentally shaped our design philosophy at Mazda.
Post by John Grafman
Under his visionary leadership, the world was introduced to the original Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA). He captivated drivers with a pure, back-to-basics vehicle that was fun to drive and accessible to many, all through a timeless design that perpetually brings joy.
His philosophy of elegant purity and driver-centric design continues to resonate in every Mazda today. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire Mazda community during this difficult time. – MNAO
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A Fond Farewell
Matano elevated the Mazda’s style from 1983-2002, and he eventually oversaw the Global Advance Design team (Three locations) and Chief Designers Group at Mazda HQ Design Division.
Derek Jenkins was fortunate enough to follow in Tom Matano’s well-defined footsteps at Mazda R&D. Derek became Director of Design at Mazda’s Irvine, California studio during his six-years with the company. Currently, Derek holds the title of Sr. VP of Design and Brand for Lucid Motors.
“I joined Mazda, and he was always really supportive and a true mentor. We attended so many Miata events together and he was always so close to the enthusiast which was magical to witness. He was a true visionary and made a lasting inspiration for myself and others to follow.” – Derek Jenkins
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A Champion Of Design
In 2008, the first of numerous automotive design related Motor Press Guild (MPG) meetings came to life. This initial gathering featured the Chairs for the Transportation Departments at the top schools in the country. Tom Matano (Academy of Art), Stewart Reed (Art Center College of Design), and Mark West (College for Creative Studies) came to Los Angeles, providing a brilliant, colorful look into the industry. Expert moderation was provided by Eric Noble of The CARLAB. Event coordination was provided by John Grafman of AutoDesignO. The attending press members of the MPG were both informed and entertained by the trio of design professionals. This became the template for the various other successful design-centric meetings that followed, and those programs became must-see opportunities for the guild members.
Tom was, at that time, instructing at Academy of Art following his years with Mazda. It takes a certain type of person to get in front of a room full of journalists on behalf of an educational institution, an automotive company, the design industry, as well as expressing his own beliefs, and deliver on the importance of design. There’s a word for that kind of an individual; it’s called being a leader!
Tom carved a path that is to be admired and followed. Certainly, Tom’s signature sign-off, ‘Always Inspired’ should live within us all.
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