Former Toyota Racing Development executive Nelson Cosgrove has been named Mazda’s new motorsports director, succeeding John Doonan.

Announced by Mazda North American Operations on Monday, Cosgrove will be responsible for the operational side of Mazda’s racing activities in North America, including its efforts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the recently announced Mazda3 TCR project in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup.

Cosgrove had served as TRD’s vice president of Engineering and Vehicle Development prior to previous stints with various NASCAR teams.

“I’m honored and excited to start this new role with Mazda,” said Cosgrove. “Mazda has a storied history in motorsports and a strong presence with IMSA, MX-5 Cup and grassroots programs.

“The brand had a lot of success in 2019, highlighted by the Mazda Team Joest three-race win streak, and I’m very much looking forward to beginning my work with the Mazda Motorsports team and preparing for the 2020 racing season.”

Cosgrove will report to Masahiro Moro, Chairman and CEO of Mazda North American Operations.

“We are committed to continuing to build upon Mazda’s position in North American motorsports,” said Moro.

“Nelson is the right person to steer Mazda Motorsports, as he brings a tremendous amount of engineering and motorsports experience that will enhance the work being done by the Mazda Motorsports team, as well as all of the technical partners across all our programs.”

As revealed by Sportscar365 earlier on Monday, Mazda’s factory DPi program is set to see the exit of Joest Racing following the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring after the German team’s contract was not renewed.

The Japanese manufacturer has yet to officially comment on the matter.