Kia Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Kia has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, regional management, and marketing.

Driven by a commitment to sustainable mobility, Kia delivers innovative vehicle solutions across global markets while maintaining a focus on high-quality manufacturing and customer-centric design principles.

Leadership Roles at Kia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jun-Young Choi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Brian Buendia
  • Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer - Thomas Oh
  • Mercadotecnia - Kia Lomas
  • Jun-Young Choi - Chief Executive Officer

    Jun-Young Choi, the Chief Executive Officer at Kia, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the automotive manufacturer. By overseeing the transition toward eco-friendly vehicle production, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with global sustainability mandates. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with the Board and coordinating cross-functional departments to optimize manufacturing efficiency across South Korea, North America, and Europe. Jun-Young Choi maintains a rigorous focus on market expansion and technological integration, ensuring the company remains competitive within the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. Through the implementation of advanced production methodologies, the Chief Executive Officer drives significant improvements in operational output. Ultimately, Choi secures the financial health and market position of the organization by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across all international business units.
    Jun-Young Choi

    Brian Buendia - Chief Operating Officer

    Brian Buendia, the Chief Operating Officer at Kia, manages the internal scaling and logistical infrastructure required to support high-volume vehicle manufacturing. Overseeing the supply chain and production workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that assembly lines maintain peak efficiency while meeting stringent quality standards. This role requires constant collaboration with regional directors to synchronize inventory levels with fluctuating consumer demand in North American and European markets. Brian Buendia architects robust operational frameworks that minimize waste and maximize throughput for the diverse portfolio of cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer directly impacts the bottom line and enhances the overall agility of the manufacturing network. Buendia consistently evaluates performance metrics to identify bottlenecks, thereby ensuring that the company delivers products to dealer networks with precision and speed.

    Thomas Oh - Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer

    Thomas Oh, the Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer at Kia, directs the strategic expansion and operational oversight of regional market presence. Focusing on the commercial vehicle segment and MPV distribution, the Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer coordinates with international dealer networks to penetrate emerging territories. This leadership position involves analyzing regional market trends to tailor product offerings to specific consumer needs in South Korea and beyond. Thomas Oh architects comprehensive distribution strategies that bolster the company's footprint in competitive automotive sectors. By aligning regional sales targets with corporate manufacturing capabilities, the Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent growth and brand visibility. Oh maintains a sharp focus on operational excellence, driving initiatives that improve service delivery and customer satisfaction across all managed regions, ultimately strengthening the global market impact of the organization.

    Kia Lomas - Mercadotecnia

    Kia Lomas, the Mercadotecnia at Kia, architects the global brand identity and promotional strategies for the entire vehicle lineup. Overseeing the marketing department, the Mercadotecnia ensures that the company's messaging resonates with diverse audiences across North America, Europe, and South Korea. This role involves managing multi-channel advertising campaigns that highlight the unique features of eco-friendly and commercial vehicles. Kia Lomas collaborates with sales teams to translate market insights into effective consumer engagement programs that drive dealership traffic. By leveraging data-driven analytics, the Mercadotecnia optimizes brand positioning to maintain a competitive edge in the automotive industry. Lomas directs the creative vision for product launches, ensuring that every campaign reflects the core values of innovation and quality. Through strategic brand management, the Mercadotecnia secures long-term customer loyalty and enhances the overall market perception of the company's diverse product portfolio.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Kia?
    Kia is led by Jun-Young Choi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Brian Buendia (Chief Operating Officer) and Thomas Oh (Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Kia’s executive team?
    The executive team of Kia includes leaders such as Jun-Young Choi (Chief Executive Officer), Brian Buendia (Chief Operating Officer), Thomas Oh (Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Kia have?
    Kia has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Kia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Kia includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer, Mercadotecnia.