Michael Cole – the chief operating office of Kia Motors Europe since November 2012 – is taking on the role of chief operating officer and executive vice president at Kia Motors America.

Kia Motors America has appointed Michael Cole as COO and executive VP

Cole – who was previously managing director of Kia Motors UK Ltd from 2009 to 2012 – has overseen a period of 40% sales growth, outpacing the 27% growth in the recovering European market. His career also includes corporate and field-based roles with Toyota and retail experience with one of the UK’s largest Ford dealers.

In his new role, he will serve as the central point of contact for all sales, marketing, service and corporate and product planning functions in the US.

“Kia’s sales, market share and brand awareness increased dramatically across Europe under Michael Cole‘s leadership and his wealth of knowledge and experience will serve our U.S. operations well as we continue to sharpen focus on retail sales.” said Sean Yoon, President and CEO, Kia Motors America.

“We have an aggressive slate of new and redesigned product launches scheduled for the next 18 months, and I look forward to working with Michael to increase demand for Kia’s award-winning vehicles in the United States.”