Kia Motors UK former boss appointed COO in the US

Kia Motors UK ex-managing director Michael Cole has been appointed chief operating officer and executive vice president of Kia Motors America.

Cole, chief operating office of Kia Motors Europe since November 2012, will serve as the central point of contact for all sales, marketing, service and corporate and product planning functions in the U.S., and will report to KMA’s president and CEO, Sean Yoon.

Cole served as MD of Kia Motors UK Ltd from 2009 to 2012 and led the factory-owned subsidiary to several sales records and through a period of sustained new product activity.

With over 30 years of automotive industry experience, Michael’s career also includes corporate and field-based roles with Toyota and retail experience with one of the UK’s largest Ford dealers.

“I am delighted to take up my new position at Kia Motors America and for the opportunity to work with the company’s team members and dealers.

Working together, our goal is to deliver the sales growth and brand reputation enhancement that our great products and services deserve,” said Cole.

“My experience in Europe and the UK demonstrates what Kia can achieve, and our future success in the US will be driven by a similar focus on our key strengths of world-class design, quality and reliability, technology and safety, and a promise to offer our customers the best purchase and ownership experience.”