Byung Mo Ahn, Group President and CEO
Kia Motors America & Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia

Byung Mo Ahn was named group president and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) in February 2008, overseeing all of Kia Motors sales and manufacturing operations in the United States. He also holds the title of president at Kia Motors Corporation.

Ahn brings to KMA more than 30 years experience with the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group where he has held various positions with Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company.

Ahn played a vital role in bringing both the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing America plant to Montgomery, Alabama and the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia plant to West Point, Georgia, effectively establishing the Korean automotive manufacturing base in the United States.

Ahn joined Hyundai in 1977 and was quickly promoted to manager of the New York office of Hyundai Precision Ind., Ltd. In 1980 he was named director for the London office. In 1991, he was named president of Hyundai Precision America and Hyundai de Mexico. He was promoted to executive vice president and COO in 1993, responsible for overseas business operations including supervising the production activities of nine factories worldwide. Prior to his first tenure with KMA, he headed up the export business division for the European and Russian automotive markets at Hyundai Precision & Industry in Europe.

From 1999 through 2001, Ahn was president and CEO of KMA. Prior to becoming group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG he served as president and CEO of KMMG.
Ahn is a graduate of Korea’s Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.