Kia appoints UK boss as European COO

GERMANY: Kia appoints UK boss as European COO

Author: just-auto.com editorial team | 2 June 2009

Kia Motors Europe has appointed Paul Philpott as chief operating officer following a major re-organisation of the Korean company's European head office under president Sun-Young Kim.

Philpott moves to the headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, from his role as managing director of Kia Motors (UK) where he has been since February 2007.

Arriving in Frankfurt during August, he will be responsible for all of Kia's pan-European operations including sales, marketing, and aftersales and will manage relations with the company's manufacturing operations in Zilina, Slovakia where cee'd and Sportage are built.

Announcing the appointment Kim said: "In the UK, Paul has clearly shown how to effectively turn around a business that was on the wrong track and his ability to motivate a dealer network to deliver an outstanding experience for Kia customers.

"He brings unrivalled experience and expertise to Kia Motors Europe and I am confident will help lead the brand to great success during the next period in Kia's development," he added.

Philpott said: "This is a great opportunity for me and a major challenge as Europe is very diverse with many different markets with their own traditions and market conditions. I believe Kia has the potential to be one of Europe's leading retail brands. Our high quality, good value products are just what motorists want today and in the future as the continent emerges from economic recession."

Sectors: Retailing, marketing & distribution, Vehicle manufacturers

Companies: Kia, Kia Motors Europe