Honda Announces Key Sales Leadership Changes for 2026

American Honda has announced significant Honda sales leadership changes, effective August 3, 2026. This restructuring involves key personnel movements across its Honda and Acura brands, with new roles for Jessika Laudermilk, Luis Guerra, and Mike Langel.

Key Leadership Appointments

American Honda is implementing executive rotations within its Auto Sales division, with these Honda sales leadership changes effective August 3, 2026. Jessika Laudermilk, formerly assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales, will transition to assistant vice president of Acura National Auto Sales.

Luis Guerra, previously Central Region director of Auto Sales, will succeed Laudermilk as assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. This appointment brings extensive regional experience to a national leadership role.

Mike Langel, who was assistant vice president of Acura National Auto Sales, will move to a new sales position at Honda Aircraft Company (HACI). This transition aims to utilize Langel's aviation background within the broader Honda family.

Executive Experience and Strategic Moves

Jessika Laudermilk joined Honda in 2018 and has spent the last two years leading Honda National Sales, contributing to record hybrid-electric vehicle sales. Her prior experience includes managing marketing operations for both Honda and Acura. Her background is expected to be valuable as Acura prepares to launch new vehicles, including its first hybrid-electric models.

Luis Guerra brings nearly two decades of experience with American Honda, having worked within both the Honda and Acura field organizations and Honda National Sales. He has held various sales leadership positions across multiple zones, including his recent role as Central Region director. Guerra is also a veteran of the United States Army.

Mike Langel, with American Honda since 2008, has served in diverse roles within the Auto and Motorcycle Sales Divisions. As assistant vice president of Acura National Sales for the past two years, he helped guide the brand through challenging market conditions, contributing to strong sales momentum in 2026. An experienced pilot, Langel's move to Honda Aircraft Company aligns with his personal interest in aviation.

Company Strategy and Market Context

Lance Woelfer, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., stated that job rotation is a key strategy for developing executive leaders across the Honda and Acura brands. These Honda sales leadership changes aim to enhance knowledge and experience, benefiting customers and dealers.

The Honda brand offers a broad lineup of vehicles, with electrified models accounting for nearly a third of total Honda sales in 2025. These include the all-electric Prologue SUV and hybrid-electric Accord, CR-V, Civic, and Prelude. Honda has manufactured automobiles in America for over 40 years, with approximately 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2025 made in North America.

Acura, a premium brand, focuses on "Precision Crafted Performance" with models like the Integra, ADX, RDX, and MDX. In 2025, about 85% of Acura vehicles sold in America were manufactured in the U.S. These leadership changes are intended to strengthen both brands' market positions and prepare for future product introductions, particularly in the expanding electrified vehicle segment.

What This Means for Honda and Acura

These leadership adjustments reflect American Honda's ongoing strategy to cultivate experienced executives and adapt its sales operations. The changes are designed to support the continued growth and strategic initiatives of both the Honda and Acura brands as they introduce new models and navigate evolving market demands.