Canadian one of two women promoted to key posts at Porsche

ATLANTA — Porsche Cars North America has elevated two women to key leadership roles.

Ayesha Coker has been named vice president of marketing, the sports car maker said.

Coker, 45, succeeds Pedro Mota, who, according to a dealer source, has left to join a Silicon Valley venture capital firm.

Previously, Coker led experiential brand marketing, strategic partnerships, sports marketing, motorsports and the Porsche Club of America in the U.S. She also oversaw the Porsche Experience Centers in Atlanta and Los Angeles.

Before joining Porsche, Coker held various marketing roles for automotive companies including Merkley and Partners and GMR Marketing.

Margareta Mahlstedt, who previously led marketing for Porsche Cars Great Britain, joined the German marque's North America business in October to lead customer experience.

Mahlstedt, 43, is responsible for customer relationship management practices, customer satisfaction, market research and vehicle initial quality as well as overseeing Porsche Contact Center operations.

With the two appointments, a third of Porsche's North American leadership team is now female. The leadership changes come at a good time for the brand.

Porsche Cars North America had its best year ever in 2021, powered by robust demand for the battery-powered Taycan. The brand delivered 70,025 vehicles last year, up 22 percent from 2020 and 14 percent from the record set in 2019.