Kia PH has a new COO

KP Motor Corporation (KPMC) and known as Kia Philippines, under the distributorship of AC Motors, the automotive arm of the Ayala Corporation, has announced the appointment of its new chief operating office effective July 1, 2023.

Mr. Brian Buendia will be taking over leadership of the Korean automaker’s local operations from Mr. Manny Aligada who has been serving as the brand’s president and COO since it was relaunched under the current distributor in 2019.

“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 likewise lead KPMC’s continued development of the electric vehicle (EV) eco-system in the country, with Ayala organizations and other players as active partners. He will pursue what has been launched by Kia and the Ayala Group in 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.

Buendia has been with AC Motors since 1998, earning an extensive career experience in sales, business development and network operations. Among his aims are 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.

“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.

Meanwhile, outgoing KPMC President Mr. Manny Aligada is set to retire once Buendia takes over. Under his leadership, Kia Philippines became one of the fastest growing brands in the market, was recognized by Kia Asia Pacific (K-APAC) for achieving the highest growth rate in the region, as well as being the number one independent distributor in retail sales in 2022.

Also under his watch were the launches of the successful Soluto and Stonic subcompact sedan and crossover, Sorento, Carnival, and the EV6 which is the brand’s first fully-electric vehicle globally.

“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.