Alex Smith, commercial director of Kia Motors UK, is leaving the company.

Smith joined Kia in December 2003 as general manager of sales channel strategy.

Paul Philpott, managing director said: "Smith has worked closely with our dealer network to ensure that Kia’s reputation has moved away from ‘cheap’ and now appeals to value-conscious motorists who want desirable, high quality products that offer reliability. With the recent introduction of cee’d with its seven year warranty, these three values are complete in one model for the first time."

Smith said: "This was a very difficult decision to make. During my three years, I have seen Kia go through a dramatic phase of growth with the introduction of Picanto and renewal of the entire range in that time. Kia is now entering a new phase of growth with the cee’d and I wish Paul and the Kia team every success in the future."

There were no details given on what Smith will do next.