Kia UK's David Hilbert promoted to European role

A promotion has led David Hilbert from the role of marketing director at Kia UK to the German head office of Kia Europe where he now has responsibility for marketing across the region.

As marketing director for Kia Europe, Hilbert will oversee the pan-European marketing team responsible for brand and strategic development, marketing communications, digital transformation, social media, press and corporate communications.

Hilbert had joined Kia UK in 2016, taking charge of its marketing communications, product and production planning, marketing programmes and electrification and connectivity strategy.

He'd previously spent almost 13 years with Toyota GB in a range of marketing and operations roles.

During his time at Kia UK, Hilbert supported Kia’s continual and rapid growth and was instrumental in helping Kia achieve record-breaking market share of five per cent in 2021, the carmaker said.

He joins the Kia Europe leadership team alongside fellow new appointee Alexandre Papapatropoulos who is now director of product and pricing.

Sjoerd Knipping, vice president marketing and product of Kia Europe, said: “We are delighted to welcome two esteemed colleagues into their new roles at such an exciting time for Kia Europe. We have ambitious plans for further tech development and market share gains with new electrified products and refreshed brand positioning.

"The appointments of Alexandre and David bring fresh vigour to our leadership team, and I look forward to supporting them in maximising the brand’s potential.”

In 2021 Kia UK marked its 30th year of sales, and noted that two thirds of its 1.2 million car sales here have been in the last decade.