Primary Job Title Group Vice Chairman and CEO Primary Organization Kia Motors America
Location Laguna Niguel, California, United States Regions Greater Los Angeles Area, West Coast, Western US Gender Male
LinkedIn View on LinkedIn
Byung Mo Ahn is Group Vice Chairman and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), overseeing all Kia Motors sales and manufacturing operations in the United States. In his role as Vice Chairman for the global automaker, he leads the implementation of the brand’s long-term strategy in the U.S. as the product
portfolio, customer base and units in operation continue to expand. He previously served as the Group President and CEO of KMA and KMMG.
During Ahn’s tenure, Kia’s U.S. sales have nearly doubled, and the West Point, Georgia-based manufacturing plant, which began production in 2009, has produced more than 1.2 million vehicles.
With more than 37 years experience with the Hyundai Motor Group, Ahn has held various positions with Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company.
Ahn played a vital role in bringing both the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing America plant to Montgomery, Alabama, and the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia plant to West Point, Georgia, effectively establishing the Korean automotive manufacturing base in the United States.
Ahn joined Hyundai in 1977 and was quickly promoted to manager of the New York office of Hyundai Precision Ind., Ltd. In 1980, he was named director for the London office. In 1991, he was named president of Hyundai Precision America and Hyundai de Mexico. He was promoted to executive vice president and COO in 1993, responsible for overseas business operations including supervising the production activities of nine factories worldwide. Prior to his first tenure with KMA, as president and CEO from 1999 through 2001, he headed up the export business division for the European and Russian automotive markets at Hyundai Precision & Industry in Europe.
Ahn is a graduate of Korea’s Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.
