Kia UK has appointed Mark Hopkins as its new marketing director as the company pushes towards becoming a top five volume player.

Hopkins joins from Volkswagen where he was head of marketing for Commercial Vehicles.

Hopkins reports to Yaser Shabsogh, commercial director, Kia Motors (UK), and took up his post in November. He has responsibility for Kia’s overall marketing strategy and execution, overseeing the product, brand and customer marketing teams.

Shabsogh said: "He has brilliant automotive industry experience, and brings a wealth of Above-The–Line, digital and CRM expertise that will really help us continue to drive forward our ambitious UK growth plans.”

In his new role, Hopkins will work closely with the UK marketing team and its roster of agencies to further shape and enhance the Kia brand.

Kia said the marketing team will be focusing on enhancing consumer engagement through online and CRM platforms this year, while developing customer reviews through its partnerships with companies like ‘Reevoo’, allowing customers the chance to speak on behalf of the brand through independent opinions.