Kia Names New U.S. Chief

Kia Motors Corp. has appointed Michael Cole to head its U.S. operations, effective Nov. 11.

Cole has been the unit’s chief operating officer and executive vice president since May 2018. Prior to this, he was COO of Kia Europe for six years. Cole’s 30-year career also includes a stint with Toyota.

Cole will continue to report to Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia Motors North America. Currently, Yoon also serves as president of Kia Motors America.

Cole’s appointment follows that of former Mazda executive Russel Wager, who was hired in July to head Kia America’s marketing efforts. Wager succeeded Saad Chehab, who left the carmaker earlier this summer.