Kia Motors America Announces Major Changes in Sales Organization
Phil Kelley Promoted to VP Sales; Greg Silvestri to Head Western Region
IRVINE, Calif., March 16 -- Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced the promotion of Phil Kelley to Vice President, Sales, effective immediately. Kelley most recently served as KMA's Director of Regional Operations. Stepping into that spot is Greg Silvestri, who is joining KMA after spending 20 years with Mazda North America. At the same time, KMA has also promoted Bob Kuntze to Director, Planning and Administration.
"I am extremely pleased to announce the promotions of Phil and Bob, and to welcome Greg to KMA," stated Peter M. Butterfield, President and CEO. "These three automotive veterans will lead us in our business plan and sales strategies to sustain our growth and further our goal of becoming a Tier One automotive company."
Kelley joined Kia as Regional Manager of the Western Region in September 2000 and was promoted to Director of Regional Operations two years later. Prior to joining Kia, he enjoyed a successful sales and marketing career at American Isuzu Motors Inc. for 19 years.
Silvestri brings a diverse background in the automotive industry to Kia. In his two decades at Mazda, he covered a broad range of business functions. Most recently, Silvestri was Director, Dealer Affairs, and prior to that Director, Customer Service and Parts Operations. His first 15 years with Mazda were spent in various regional sales, marketing and development manager positions.
Kuntze, who also spent time at Mazda as National Distribution Manager, joined KMA in November 1996, and has served in various regional and national positions. Most recently, Kuntze was National Manager, Distribution. As Director, Planning and Administration, Kuntze now oversees field operations, distribution and logistics, and contests and incentives.
Kia Motors America is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea. For more information about Kia, visit www.kiamedia.com .
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