Kia Australia: MK Kim Moving On, Charlie Kim Moving Up

Kia Motors Australia President and CEO MK Kim is off to take the top seat at Kia's Middle East and Africa operations, after nearly two years overseeing the brand's meteoric rise in Australia.

Mr Kim's new appointment, which takes effect today, can be considered a promotion: Kia's sales in the region come close to 300,000 each year, more than 10 times its Australian sales.

"It is a very exciting and challenging new role, but it is not without regrets that I am leaving Australia," Mr Kim said.

"It is not easy to be leaving when the plans and goals we have set in place are beginning to bear fruit, but I am confident that my replacement and the management team I leave behind will continue along the path to greater success."

While MK Kim is shipping out, the Kim name can stay on the office door. Moving up to the top role at Kia Australia is Chong Woo (Charlie) Kim, stepping up from Coordinating Director for Sales.

"I am excited, honoured and very pleased that this opportunity has come my way in a market as vibrant and challenging as that in Australia," Mr Kim said.

"Over the past couple of years Kia Motors has enjoyed unprecedented growth around the world with the award-winning designs and leading-edge technology putting the Kia brand on the shopping lists of people who previously would never have considered us."

Mr Kim has been with th Hyundai-Kia corporation since 1989, with past roles including Coordinating Director for Sales at Kia Germany and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa.