Honda executive to speak on state of industry

John W. Mendel, senior vice-president of Automobile Operations at American Honda Motor Company, will discuss the challenges and issues facing the automotive industry at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Estero.

Mendel is part of a series of presenters sponsored by Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida, which for 12 years has brought distinguished speakers and panelists to address the community on issues of politics, energy, the economy, healthcare, business and industry.

As executive vice president at Honda, Mendel is responsible for product planning, advertising, marketing, public relations and distribution for both Honda and Acura Automobile Divisions. Prior to joining American Honda in December 2004, Mendel served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Mazda North American Operations.

Mendel began his career with Ford Motor Company's U.S. operations in 1976 and held numerous sales and marketing positions within Lincoln Mercury and Ford customer service.

Mendel holds undergraduate degrees in business and economics from Austin College and a master of business administration from Duke University. He is a member of the American Honda Board of Directors and also serves on the board of directors for XM Satellite Radio.

The cost, which includes lunch, is $40 for guests of the Speakers Assembly. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Speakers Assembly Office at (239) 948-7909 or speakersassembly@aol.com.