Buendia to lead Kia PH starting Jul.

Brian Buendia will assume the role of Kia Philippines Motor Corporation (KPMC)'s chief operating officer beginning next month.

Buendia’s appointment will take effect on July 1, 2023 following the last day of office for outgoing KPMC President Emmanuel Aligada, who will retire starting June 30.

 “As chief operating officer, Brian will lead the bolstering of Kia’s position in the industry rankings with the introduction of new models, and the strengthening of the distribution network in its dealerships which currently stands at 44 in strategic locations nationwide,” AC Motors President for Automobile Group Antonio Zara III was quoted as saying.

Zara also noted that the incoming leader will continue to forward KPMC’s continued development of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in the country, with Ayala organizations and other players as active partners.

“Brian has been earnestly preparing and transitioning for his new role since January 1, 2023, closely looking at the local automotive landscape and getting the pulse of the mobility markets — local, regional, and global,” he explained.

A member of the AC Motors family since 1998, Buendia earned his career experience in sales, business development and network operations, making him capable of anticipating — and carrying out — crucial brand and market executions for the brand’s local arm in the future.

Further, the company stated that his extensive industry experience makes him proficient in determining the optimal products and services — leading to further brand familiarity and affinity in the country.

“The challenges facing Kia in the Philippines are daunting. But they are also opportunities that will inspire us to elevate this world-class brand to even greater heights in the local market. We will be stepping up our efforts to become an even more relevant player in the industry through innovation and technology in our products and services, contributing to the development of the economy while playing a significant role in sustainability efforts,” Buendia expressed.

Buendia will enjoy the foundation laid out by Aligada, who spearheaded the brand’s presence in the country under Ayala management since December 2018. Aside from being one of the fastest-growing automotive marques in the country. It was also under Aligada’s term that the automaker’s local distributor was also recognized by Kia Asia Pacific for achieving the highest growth rate in the region, as well as being the number one independent distributor in retail sales in 2022.

In addition, Aligada’s leadership led to the introduction of several new models such as the Kia Stonic (which has become its best-selling vehicle since its launch in 2020), and the EV6 (Ayala’s initial entry in the Philippine EV market).

“It is an honor to have served our internal and external stakeholders who have continuously supported Kia, enabling it to be among the best-selling brands in the country,” Aligada said. “And it is with such pride when I say that Kia Philippines set the ideal tone in starting our path to a sustainable future of mobility by introducing the multi-awarded EV6 as the ultra-modern face of Kia with its innovation and technology features,” he added.

Photos from Kia Philippines Motor Corporation

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