Kia Motors Europe has appointed Emilio Herrera as its new chief operating officer, replacing Michael Cole.

Emilio Herrera, chief operating officer of Kia Motors Europe

Mr Herrera will be tasked with continuing Kia’s growth targets of more than 500,000 European sales in 2018. He will also oversee the roll out of the company’s next wave of vehicles, including 16 “advanced powertrain vehicles” planned for launch by 2025.

Mr Herrera brings more than 20 years’ experience in the European automotive sector, with roles including managing director for Kia Motors Iberia since December 2012 and managing director for Kia Motors Belgium.

He will be based at Kia’s European headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, working alongside the company’s president, Yong Kew Park.

On his appointment as COO of Kia Motors Europe, Emilio Herrera said: “Michael leaves Kia’s European business in a very strong position, and l look forward to working to maintain the company’s impressive growth in the region. A range of new cars and powertrains will give us fresh opportunities to grow sales and expand our market share even further in the coming years.”

Michael Cole is set to take up a senior role elsewhere in the global Kia Motors organisation, which is as yet unannounced. Cole had been chief operating officer for Kia Motors Europe since November 2012. Kia Motors will communicate further details of his new role at a later date.

Michael Cole commented: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Frankfurt, helping Kia grow its sales, market share and brand awareness across the region. I’d like to thank the team here and in all our European markets for their help and support over the last six years – it’s been a pleasure working with such a talented and dedicated group of people.”