10:46 am, November 16, 2012
MICHAEL COLE, chief executive officer for Kia UK, has been promoted to CEO of Kia Motors Europe.
Cole, who attended our Automotive Influencers conference early this year, has lead Kia UK since August 2009 – seeing the company expand and break sales records.
The new role will see him in charge of all of Kia’s ‘pan-European’ operations – including sales, marketing and aftersales, along with ‘managing relations’ with the factory in Slovakia.
‘I have enjoyed a remarkable three years with a great team here at Kia in the UK and I am excited by the prospect of working to continue the strengthening of the Kia brand right across Europe,’ said Cole.
‘With a European production facility in Žilina, Slovakia, a European design office and European-focused research and development facilities I believe Kia has a great future amongst value-demanding European consumers who also want the very highest quality and distinctive design and appeal.’
‘I am sad to be leaving such a good team in the UK but I know that in Paul Philpott’s hands the UK operation can only continue to strength to strength’
Kia UK’s president Paul Philpott commented: ‘Michael is the ideal person to take on the responsibility of growing Kia’s brand appeal and commercial strength in a European market that continues to face some very big economic challenges.
‘He will find a strong team and organisation at Frankfurt and I know, from my own experience, that all of the European subsidiaries and distributors will welcome his cool, calm and reasoned approach to the car business.
