The group marketing manager for Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln Mercury division is joining Kia Motors America as vice president, marketing, on 11 August.
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Michael Sprague will direct and manage all aspects of the marketing department, including brand marketing, advertising, retail marketing, sponsorships, CRM, product planning and public relations. The post reports to Byung Mo Ahn, group president and chief executive officer, KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG).
“Michael’s strong marketing background coupled with his international experience will help us achieve our goal of continually raising the brand profile,” said Ahn. “And his extensive automotive industry knowledge will add to our team’s ability to increase sales despite a difficult economic environment.”
Sprague was also corporate brand strategy manager in Ford’s chief marketing office in Detroit where he led the development of the global brand architecture for Ford. He has also been cross brand strategy manager; cross brand product marketing manager; advanced product strategy manager, Mercury; regional marketing manager, Lincoln Mercury; and held other field assignments in sales and marketing.
Sprague also served as general manager, global brand marketing for Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan.
He’s likely to gain some warmth from the job. Kia is based in sunny California.
