Industry Veteran Named Director of Marketing Operations

IRVINE, Calif., July 18, 2019 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that Russell Wager has joined the company in the newly created role of director, marketing operations. The former vice president of marketing for Mazda North America Operations will oversee all advertising, media, partnerships and experiential marketing activities.

Wager, who began work today, assumes one of three director-level positions in KMA’s marketing department which currently report to the company’s chief operating officer and EVP, Michael Cole.

“Kia is on an exciting journey with new products and dynamic brand strategy driving greater familiarity, awareness and purchase consideration of Kia cars and SUVs,” said Cole. “Russell Wager is a tremendous addition to our marketing leadership team and his work alongside his new colleagues will contribute greatly to the achievement of our ambitious goals.”

In addition to his leadership role at Mazda, Wager has led major automotive accounts at several of the top advertising and marketing agencies in the world, including TBWA/Hakuhodo International and Doner Advertising, as well as Client Director of Kia’s U.S. business while at David&Goliath.

“I am thrilled to join the Kia team and bring my 25-plus years of passion and knowledge of the automotive business to this new position,” said Wager. “I look forward to working with the creative and dedicated people at KMA and with the highly professional Kia dealer network nationwide to continue building brand momentum as we prepare for the next decade of growth.”