Kia Philippines Motor Corporation (KPMC), the official importer and distributor of Kia vehicles, has announced the leadership appointment of Brian Beundia as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) starting July 1, 2023. 

As a bit of history, Kia in the Philippines was relaunched in 2019 under Ayala Corporation (AC) Industrial’s automotive arm, AC Motors. It is one of the largest automotive distributors in the country, which includes global mobility brands such as Honda, Isuzu, Maxus, and Volkswagen in its portfolio. 

Since then, the South Korean brand has changed its global slogan to “Movement that Inspires,” which has driven Kia's commitment to providing consumer satisfaction through its products and services.

“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,” said AC Motors President for Automobile Group Toti Zara.

Buendia will lead KPMC with its continued development of an electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in the country, with Ayala organizations and other players as active partners.

He will also help continue the brand and the group’s goal of transitioning the automotive
industry into cleaner and more sustainable technologies.

“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,” Zara further explained.

Background of the new boss

Buendia has been with AC Motors since 1998, earning extensive career experience in sales, business development, and network operations through the Honda dealership network of Ayala. With years of experience behind him, he can anticipate and carry out crucial brand and market executions for Kia in the future. 

With his leadership skills, the South Korean brand is expected to enhance its familiarity with the Filipino market, as his extensive industry experience will enable him to determine the optimal products and services to suit the needs and aspirations of a much broader market base.

Expect to see more improved and innovative aftersales services, a seamless and continuous nationwide expansion of the dealer network, and gaining a firm foothold in the future of sustainable mobility, built upon the recent launch of the EV6 full-electric SUV—a crucial step towards Ayala’s promise of making the country’s complete EV eco-system.

He will also build upon the landmark achievements of KPMC President Manny Aligada, who is set to retire this June 30. Aligada returned from his initial retirement to spearhead the revitalization of Kia Philippines under Ayala's management and, in just nearly five years, made the South Korean brand one of the fastest growing in the country. 

It was also recognized by Kia Asia Pacific (K-APAC) for achieving the highest growth rate in the region and being the number one independent distributor in retail sales in 2022.

Do you think the new COO has what it takes to lead Kia Philippines into a new age?

Did you like our story? Make sure to leave it a 5-star rating if you do.