Stephen McDonnell named managing director, Infiniti Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON – The automaker said the creation of this new position underlines its determination to further grow in Canada.

“I am very pleased that we can further strengthen the Infiniti leadership team with the addition of Stephen McDonnell” said Michael Bartsch, vice president, Infiniti Americas. “His experience and exceptional knowledge of the Canadian market, plus his proven track record in premium automotive brand management, are integral as we continue to implement our growth plan for Infiniti in Canada.”

McDonnell has spent the last 18 years with BMW/MINI, most recently as director of sales, BMW Group Canada. He has held a variety of leadership roles in both sales and finance with increasing responsibility, Infiniti Canada said.

McDonnell started his career with KPMG, spending time in both England and Canada. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Hull.

McDonnell will be based at Infiniti’s Canadian head office in Mississauga, Ont., and report to Michael Bartsch, at Infiniti America’s head office in Franklin, Tennessee.

“Taking on this new role at Infiniti Canada is a very exciting challenge for me as I recognize the strong potential for the brand in Canada and around the globe,” said McDonnell. “I'm eager to work with the Infiniti Canada team, the dealers and all key stakeholders to further develop and increase Infiniti’s performance in Canada.”

He will assume the role of managing director, Infiniti Canada effective February 17th.

At the same time, Wendy Durward, currently director, Infiniti dealer operations, will be taking the newly created role of director, marketing and transformation, Infiniti Canada, reporting to McDonnell.

“This new role will allow the company to further strengthen the brand, increase awareness, and develop additional initiatives to gain a stronger foothold in the Canadian marketplace,” the automaker said.

“Wendy’s leadership has been fundamental to the success and growth of Infiniti over the past 5 years in Canada, including the sales record set in 2013,” said Bartsch. “With her considerable experience leading the Infiniti brand in Canada, she will continue to play an important role on this growing team.”

Durward joined Nissan in 1992 and has held various leadership positions in sales finance, marketing operations and most recently in dealer operations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from McMaster University.