As a part of “Vision 2010″ plan, to become a major force in automotive world and achiveing 600,000 sales across Eastern and Western Europe, Kia Motors Europe has announced two important appointments to it’s top management team in Europe.

Mr. Paul Willis, who had worked for VW since 2000 and had held postition of a brand Director of Volkswagen Group UK, takes on newly created role of COO-Chief Operating Officier at KME, while Mr Kwang-Ho Nam joins Kia as the new President of Kia Motors Europe…

New President and new COO for Kia Motors Europe

Kia Motors Corporation is pleased to announce two senior appointments to its top management team in Europe. Mr Kwang-Ho Nam joins the European headquarters of the Frankfurt-based company as the new President of Kia Motors Europe, while Mr Paul Willis takes on the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Mr Nam brings extensive experience of marketing, sales, finance and leadership to KME after performing several senior roles in the Hyundai-Kia organisation in Korea, the USA, China and Europe. Born in Seoul, 53-year old Mr Nam most recently held the position of COO at Mercedes-Benz Korea. Mr Nam takes over from previous KME president Mr Hyoung-Keun Lee who has been promoted to a new role within the Kia global organisation.

Following last Novembers announcement that Mr Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, would retire on 31 March 2008, KME has recruited Mr Paul Willis for the position of COO, effective 1 February 2008.

Mr Willis joins from Volkswagen Group UK where he held several senior positions, including Brand Director, since 2000. Prior to joining VW, the 48-year old from Ireland had gained an in-depth knowledge of the automotive industry as a senior manager with Ford and Toyota, followed by director level positions with Mazda (UK) and BMW (GB).