Kia Motors (UK) has appointed former Mazda, Hyundai and Nissan man Steve Hicks to the role of sales director.

Hicks, who spent five years working as dealer operations manager at Mazda and also held roles as head of product and head of sales at Hyundai before becoming a regional director for Nissan will be based at Kia’s head office in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

Leading a team of 73, he will oversee all sales channels including retail, fleet and new and used cars through the 187-strong Kia dealer network.

He will also contribute to the development of the company as a member of the executive board and report to commercial director, Simon Hetherington.

Hetherington said: “We are excited to welcome Steve to the company, I am certain his wealth of experience in the motor industry as well as his personable nature will make him an excellent asset to the team.”

Hicks said: "I am thrilled to be joining Kia UK at such an exciting time for the brand, following yet another record-breaking year. 

“The Kia network is perfectly placed to take advantage of the opportunities that our impressive new products will provide in 2017, which in turn will deliver consistent volume growth, sustainable dealer profits and increased levels of customer satisfaction.”