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Kim Custer Joins Kia as Director, Public Relations

IRVINE, Calif., May 7 -- Kim Custer, veteran automotive public relations executive has joined Kia Motors America as director, public relations. Custer replaces longtime Kia public relations executive Geno Effler, who recently left the company.

With more than 20 years in public relations, Custer has spent the majority of his time working in the automotive industry. For more than a decade Custer served as director of public affairs and corporate communications for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, where he was responsible for product and corporate public relations, media crisis management, internal corporate communications, community relations and corporate giving.

"We are extremely pleased that Kim is joining our company at this exciting time in its history," said Peter Butterfield, Kia's executive vice president and chief operating officer. "His solid understanding of the automotive industry and a proven track record of success will help elevate the company's communications programs as we move to a new level of success in the U.S. market."

Prior to joining Mitsubishi, Custer served as director of the automotive group at Bob Thomas and Associates, managing the Yokohama Tire Company account and serving as a senior member of the Nissan Motors account team. Custer comes to Kia after serving as vice president, global marketing and communications for Korn/Ferry International.

In his new position with Kia, Custer will oversee all product and corporate communications for the company including media relations, internal communications, new product launches and current product publicity.

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.