Kia Motors America Announces Leadership Change
Michael Cole is taking on a new leadership role at Kia Motors America. Since 2012, Cole has been the leader of Kia Motors Europe. Now, he will report directly to Sean Yoon, president and CEO of KMA and oversee and act as the “central point of contact” for all of KMA’s U.S. product planning, marketing, service, corporate, and sales initiatives.
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“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,” Cole said.
During his time as CEO of Kia Motors Europe, Cole “oversaw 40% sales growth.” Cole also served as the managing director of Kia Motors (UK) before taking on the Europe CEO assignment. As managing director of Kia Motors (UK), Cole oversaw an increase in product development as well as achieved unprecedented sales numbers.
“My experience in Europe demonstrates what Kia can achieve, and our future success in the U.S. 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,” Cole added.
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Also on his resume are roles at one of UK’s biggest Ford dealerships and a Toyota field-based position.
“Kia’s sales, market share and brand awareness increased dramatically across Europe under Michael Cole’s leadership and his wealth of knowledge and experience will serve our U.S. operations well as we continue to sharpen the focus on retail sales,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors America. “We have an aggressive slate of new and redesigned product launches scheduled for the next 18 months, and I look forward to working with Michael to increase demand for Kia’s award-winning vehicles in the United States.”
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