Kia Motors America says that effective immediately Michael Sprague, formerly executive vice president of marketing and communications, has assumed the newly created role of executive vice president of sales and marketing following the departure of its executive vice president of sales, Tom Loveless.
No reason was given for the sudden change at the Korean company, which along with sister brand Hyundai, has a growing reputation as being difficult to work for. (See John Krafcik out as Hyundai President and CEO)
Under the new organizational structure, Adam Perlow, formerly KMA’s eastern region executive director, is named vice president of sales operations and will report to Mr. Sprague.
Sprague joined KMA in 2008. He will serve as the central point of “contact” for all sales and marketing activities, and as part of the restructuring, retail development will report to him. During his tenure, KMA has launched 16 new or redesigned vehicles while increasing consumer awareness and consideration for the brand through expanded marketing activities, including: Super Bowl advertising, the hamster marketing campaigns for the Soul passenger vehicle, and sports marketing initiatives including Kia’s paid relationships with the NBA and LPGA.
“On behalf of KMA, we thank Tom for his contributions to Kia’s growth in the U.S., and we wish him success in all his future endeavors,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.
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