30-Year Automotive Veteran to Lead Kia Motors America’s Business Operations

IRVINE, Calif., October 31, 2019 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the appointment of Michel Cole as president, effective November 11th. Cole has served as KMA’s chief operating officer and executive vice president since joining the company from Kia Motors Europe in May 2018.

At KMA, Cole has played a vital role in the successful launch of several all-new and refreshed models, including the Telluride SUV, as well as the rollout of Kia’s “Give It Everything” brand philosophy. In his new role, Cole will lead KMA’s business operations and report to Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia Motors North America.

“Michael Cole has helped reintroduce the Kia brand in the U.S. and Kia has outperformed the industry through the first three quarters of 2019. Under his guidance, Kia will continue to raise awareness and grow sales and market share in the United States,” said Yoon, who oversees regional operations in North America, including U.S., Canada and Mexico sales as well as manufacturing in the U.S. and Mexico.

Cole joined KMA with a wealth of Kia-specific experience, including overseeing the brand’s performance in Europe as chief operating officer. Prior to that he served as managing director of Kia Motors (UK) and led the wholly-owned subsidiary to several sales records and through a period of sustained new product activity. With over 30 years of automotive industry experience, Michael’s career also includes corporate and field-based roles with Toyota.