Los Angeles, CA 
2012 Speakers
John Abel
Director of Marketing
Mazda North America Operations
As director of marketing for Mazda North American Operations, John Abel is responsible for developing the Mazda brand communication strategy, brand identity and global content. He brings to Mazda a wealth of automotive experience from his 29 years in the automotive industry.
Mr. Abel began his career with Mazda in 2003 as the director, marketing communications for Mazda Motor Europe GmbH based in Germany, and moved to Mazda Corporation headquarters in Japan as general manager, global brand management in 2006.
Mr. Abel began his career with Ford Motor Company in 1982 and held various management positions within Ford's merchandising and sales teams. In 1993, he moved to Jaguar where he was based in the U.K. as the head of corporate sales, marketing strategy, and later, head of marketing in the U.K.
Michael J. Accavitti
Vice President – Automobile Marketing
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
As vice president of automobile marketing for American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Michael Accavitti is responsible for the marketing of both the Honda and Acura automobile brands. In this role, he oversees advertising, corporate and diversity marketing, automobile public relations, including product launches, auto shows and motorsports public relations, and marketing communications, including digital marketing, among other responsibilities.
Prior to joining American Honda, Mr. Accavitti served as executive automotive advisor for Cisco Systems in San Jose, Calif., where he developed new business and led innovation in the automotive space for Cisco's Global Enterprise Theater.
From 1984 until 2009 Mr. Accavitti was with the Chrysler Corporation, most recently serving as president and CEO of the Dodge Brand and lead marketing executive for the Chrysler Group. He began his 25-year tenure with Chrysler as an industrial engineer and held various positions in engineering, production management, finance, international business development, product and brand planning, marketing, motorsports and street and racing technology.
Michael Accavitti holds a bachelor's of science degree with a concentration in industrial engineering and management from Western Michigan University, an MBA degree from Wayne State University, and a Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University.
Christopher J. Perry
Global Chevrolet Marketing
Vice President
General Motors
Chris Perry is the global Chevrolet marketing vice president. Prior to joining Chevrolet in August 2010, Mr. Perry served as vice president, marketing for Hyundai Motor America.
Chris Perry is a 25-year marketing veteran, with more than 20 years dedicated to the automotive industry. His career spans agency, research consulting and in-house experience working for major international automakers. Mr. Perry's expertise includes strategic planning, creative development, media strategy and planning for general market, multicultural, interactive and dealer advertising, and integration across all communication disciplines.
Mr. Perry joined Hyundai in 2000 as head of brand planning. While with Hyundai, he led more than a dozen new model introductions, and developed and produced the "Hyundai Assurance" program which led to the 2009 Advertising Age "Marketer of the Year" honors.
Prior to joining Hyundai, Mr. Perry spent nearly a decade at American Isuzu Motors where he was involved in strategic planning and advertising. He also worked for creative agency, Della Femina, McNamee, and in research consulting with Diagnostic Research.
Chris Perry earned his bachelor of science in marketing from California State University Northridge.
Steve Shannon
Vice President of Marketing
Hyundai Motor America
Steve Shannon is the vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America. He is responsible for all marketing activities in the United States. He reports to president and chief executive officer, John Krafcik.
Prior to joining Hyundai, Mr. Shannon spent more than 25 years at General Motors (GM), most recently serving as the executive director of marketing and product planning for the Cadillac division. He held that position for more than three years spearheading the campaign that gave momentum to Cadillac's recovery and drove mass consumer purchase consideration. In addition to direct functional responsibility in the U.S., Mr. Shannon also had significant integration with key Europe, Middle East and China markets.
While at GM, Mr. Shannon held several other leadership roles in marketing with Saturn, followed by senior posts at Buick and Saab among others.
In addition, he brings overseas perspective and experience having been stationed at GM's European headquarters in Zurich, supporting the Opel brand across the continent.
Steve Shannon graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor of arts and received his masters of business administration in marketing from Columbia University.
