Greater Toronto's Top Employers (2025) Magazine - Flipbook - Page 102
102
( 2025 )
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Mazda Canada embraces a people-centric philosophy
Z
oom-zoom. Krista
Tzanopoulos, senior
specialist, corporate
communications, at
Mazda Canada, was
driving a Mazda long before she
began to work for the car company
at its headquarters in Richmond
Hill. Looking for a career change
from her previous background
in human resources, she applied
for a role as a brand development
specialist in late 2021.
“It sounded like a really cool opportunity to combine my interests
in learning and development and
marketing at a company I already
believed in,” says Tzanopoulos.
“I’ve been here for almost three
years now, and feel that I’m
absolutely in the right place to be
starting my career.”
Right from the beginning, she
was impressed with Mazda’s
people-first culture that intentionally fosters diversity, equity, and
inclusion (DEI). The company
established its internal DEI committee in 2019 and partnered with
the Canadian Centre for Diversity
and Inclusion in 2021 – initiatives
created to help all employees
reach their full potential.
“The culture here is very
inclusive and supportive,” says
Tzanopoulos. “We openly share
ideas and I appreciate that our
differences are viewed as strengths
that enhance our team’s success.
"The people that support me
here are next level,” she adds.
“Having people in your corner
cheering you on and making sure
that your wins are recognized and
celebrated is the best feeling.”
Sandra Lemaitre, director, public relations and corporate affairs,
says the people-centric philosophy
is deeply ingrained in Mazda's culture, inspired by “omotenashi” –
translated as Japanese hospitality.
"At Mazda, we have a shared
mission and purpose to create
exhilarating experiences for
others. Part of how we accomplish
this is by investing in our people,”
says Lemaitre, who has been with
Mazda for nearly 20 years. “We
believe that if leaders take care of
their people, they in turn will take
care of our customers.”
That people-first mentality is
also reflected in Mazda's focus
Photo goes here
Employees at Mazda Canada attend a graduation ceremony held by Pathways to Education.
on employee wellness – mental,
physical, and financial. The
company has structured programs
to support employees and
foster connection, whether it’s
for organizing fun activities, such
as puppy yoga, or a live cooking
demonstration hosted by one of
the employees.
“We openly share ideas
and I appreciate that our
differences are viewed as
strengths that enhance our
team’s success.”
— Krista Tzanopoulos
Senior Specialist,
Corporate Communications
The company’s flexible work
policy, created in collaboration
with employees, is another key.
Today, 90 per cent of Mazda
Canada’s nearly 200 employees
are on hybrid schedules.
“Most employees have the
flexibility to work as much or as
little from the office as they want,”
says Lemaitre. “It’s really the best
of both worlds. Everyone works
differently, so it provides them the
ability to work in ways that are
effective for them. It also helps improve work-life balance, while still
having in-office time for meetings
and collaborative work.”
Additionally, Mazda recently
chose to define its corporate
social responsibility to be more
intentional in its corporate giving
and have a bigger impact on
the communities it serves. After
collaborating with employees,
retailers and leadership, the
company decided to focus on
