Kia Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Kia has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, executive management, marketing, business development, and sales.

Focused on sustainable mobility, Kia delivers innovative vehicle solutions across global markets while maintaining a commitment to engineering excellence and customer-centric design in the automotive sector.

Leadership Roles at Kia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jun-Young Choi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Brian Buendia
  • Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer - Thomas Oh
  • President & Managing Partner - Martin Herr
  • Mercadotecnia - Kia Lomas
  • Chief Sales & Marketing Officer - Azam Mirza
  • 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 organization. By overseeing global manufacturing initiatives across South Korea, North America, and Europe, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between production capacity and international market demand. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to optimize the portfolio of cars, SUVs, and eco-friendly vehicles. Jun-Young Choi drives the transition toward electrification, positioning the brand as a leader in sustainable transportation. Through rigorous oversight of operational efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive edge of the company in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. By prioritizing innovation and quality control, the executive secures the future growth trajectory of the firm. Ultimately, Choi fosters a culture of excellence that permeates every level of the global manufacturing network.
    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 vehicle distribution. Overseeing the supply chain and manufacturing workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that production targets meet the specific requirements of the North American and European markets. This role involves streamlining the assembly processes for SUVs and commercial vehicles to maximize output efficiency. Brian Buendia coordinates with regional heads to resolve bottlenecks in the dealer network, ensuring consistent product availability. By implementing advanced manufacturing protocols, the Chief Operating Officer reduces operational waste and enhances the overall quality of the vehicle lineup. Buendia maintains a focus on operational agility, allowing the company to respond quickly to shifts in consumer preferences. Through precise management of resources, the executive supports the broader mission of delivering high-performance transportation solutions to a diverse global customer base.

    Thomas Oh - Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer

    Thomas Oh, the Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer at Kia, directs the strategic expansion of the dealer network and regional market penetration. Overseeing the commercial vehicle segment, the Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer ensures that sales channels remain robust across international territories. This leadership role involves managing the integration of new eco-friendly models into existing distribution frameworks. Thomas Oh collaborates with regional teams to refine the customer experience, ensuring that the brand maintains a strong presence in competitive automotive markets. By analyzing market data, the executive identifies opportunities for growth in emerging regions. Oh drives the implementation of standardized service protocols, which enhances brand loyalty and long-term profitability. Through the coordination of complex sales operations, the Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Y Chief Operating Officer secures the market position of the company. Ultimately, Oh optimizes the delivery of vehicles to meet the evolving needs of modern drivers.

    Martin Herr - President & Managing Partner

    Martin Herr, the President & Managing Partner at Kia, oversees the high-level business development and strategic partnerships that define the company's market trajectory. Managing the relationships with key stakeholders and industry collaborators, the President & Managing Partner ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of automotive innovation. This role involves evaluating new business opportunities and potential ventures that align with the long-term goals of the organization. Martin Herr coordinates with the executive team to integrate new technologies into the vehicle manufacturing process. By fostering a collaborative environment, the executive drives the development of sustainable mobility solutions that address the needs of modern consumers. The President & Managing Partner maintains a focus on financial stability and corporate governance, ensuring that the company operates with integrity. Through strategic oversight, Herr supports the expansion of the brand into new territories. Ultimately, the executive secures the future of the company through visionary leadership and disciplined execution.

    Kia Lomas - Mercadotecnia

    Kia Lomas, the Mercadotecnia at Kia, architects the global brand identity and consumer engagement strategies. Overseeing the marketing campaigns for the entire vehicle portfolio, the Mercadotecnia ensures that the unique value proposition of cars, SUVs, and MPVs reaches target demographics effectively. This role involves crafting messaging that highlights the technological advancements and eco-friendly features of the current product lineup. Kia Lomas collaborates with sales departments to align promotional activities with regional market trends in South Korea and abroad. By leveraging digital platforms and traditional media, the executive increases brand visibility and consumer trust. The Mercadotecnia drives the creative direction of product launches, ensuring that every campaign reflects the core mission of the company. Through data-driven analysis of consumer behavior, Lomas optimizes marketing spend to maximize return on investment. Ultimately, the executive strengthens the market presence of the brand by fostering deep connections with the global automotive audience.

    Azam Mirza - Chief Sales & Marketing Officer

    Azam Mirza, the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Kia, directs the revenue generation strategies and customer acquisition efforts across all global regions. Overseeing the sales force and marketing integration, the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer ensures that the dealer network effectively promotes the full range of vehicles. This role involves setting aggressive sales targets and monitoring performance metrics to ensure consistent growth in North America and Europe. Azam Mirza collaborates with the product development teams to ensure that marketing materials accurately reflect the capabilities of new eco-friendly models. By optimizing the sales funnel, the executive improves conversion rates and enhances the overall customer journey. The Chief Sales & Marketing Officer drives the implementation of incentive programs that boost dealership engagement. Through the alignment of sales and marketing functions, Mirza ensures that the company maintains a dominant market share. Ultimately, the executive delivers sustainable revenue growth by connecting the brand with the right customers.

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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 6 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, President & Managing Partner, Mercadotecnia.