Date: 02-15-2008
Len Hunt, CEO of Kia Motors America Inc (KMA), and Ian Beavis, vice president of marketing, have left the company, with no reason given for their joint departure. Sources, including dealers and National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) conference attendees, commented that the two executives did not leave voluntarily. This fresh development comes just days after the return of Byung Mo Ahn as the chairman and group CEO of KMA. Beavis was replaced by Tim Chaney, who had served as director of marketing communications. Kia's sales shot up by 11% under Beavis, according to AutoData. Beavis brought humor to the brand, which was fighting a perception of inferior quality as well as a reputation for bland styling when he joined KMA. ''The resignations or firings are a concern,'' says Mark Nadler, president of Lifetime Kia in Morristown, TN. ''But I'm very excited about Mr. Ahn coming back.''
