Kookhyun Shim is New Kia Motors India Head

Kookhyun Shim is now the managing director and chief executive officer of Kia Motors India. He will look after the company’s expansion in the country. While he’s in charge, he will also be tasked with looking after the construction of the company’s first manufacturing plant in India. The company has earmarked around US$ 1.1 billion for the Indian market.

Shim was earlier head of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Plant Coordination Group, and before that he was head coordinator of Kia production in Slovakia. His resume includes over 30 years of work in the automotive industry.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kookhyun Shim as MD and CEO for India,” commented Han-Woo Park, President at Kia Motors Corporation. “We recognise India as a major market with huge potential for our world-class cars. We are confident that Shim’s leadership will provide the direction we need to grow our presence in what is one of the world’s biggest new car markets.”

“Kia has big plans for India,” said Kookhyun Shim, new MD and CEO of Kia Motors India. “The Indian economy is at an inflection point, and I am excited to work in an emerging market that’s forecasted to become the third largest globally by 2021. India is a crucial market for all global automotive brands, and I aim to replicate the success that Kia has seen in many other major markets.”