Kia's new sales director says network is 'perfectly placed'

9:52 am, January 5, 2017

KIA Motors (UK) Ltd has appointed Steve Hicks to the role of sales director at the company’s head office in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

Leading a team of 73, Steve will oversee all sales channels including retail, fleet and new and used cars through the 187-strong Kia dealer network. He will also contribute to the development of the company as a member of the executive board and report to commercial director, Simon Hetherington.

Hetherington said: ‘We are excited to welcome Steve to the company, I am certain his wealth of experience in the motor industry as well as his personable nature will make him an excellent asset to the team.’

Hicks said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining Kia UK at such an exciting time for the brand, following yet another record-breaking year. The Kia network is perfectly placed to take advantage of the opportunities that our impressive new products will provide in 2017, which in turn will deliver consistent volume growth, sustainable dealer profits and increased levels of customer satisfaction.’

Hicks, 40, grew up in Worcester and is a keen supporter of their rugby team, Worcester Warriors. After graduating from the University of Liverpool with a business studies degree, Steve entered the Ford graduate scheme in 1999 and chose to pursue a career in the motor industry.

Working at Mazda for five years as dealer operations manager, he has also fulfilled roles at Hyundai as head of product and then head of sales, before becoming a regional director for Nissan. He lives in St Albans with his wife and son.