New Kia PH Head Looks to 'Grab Market Share the Right Way'

Ayala-controlled (through ACMobility) Kia in the Philippines had some good news to share recently. Citing the H1 report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), which it is a member of, Kia Philippines said it emerged as "the fastest-growing brand among the country's top 10 automotive players." Its 4,195 units sold for the span reflect a 71-percent uptick from the same period last year.

- By Kap Maceda Aguila

Ayala-controlled (through ACMobility) Kia in the Philippines had some good news to share recently. Citing the H1 report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), which it is a member of, Kia Philippines said it emerged as "the fastest-growing brand among the country's top 10 automotive players." Its 4,195 units sold for the span reflect a 71-percent uptick from the same period last year. "This strong performance reinforces Kia's solid position in the local market and reflects rising consumer demand for its modern and versatile lineup," its release continued.

As it rode the crest of its recent milestone, Kia Philippines seized the opportunity to introduce its new managing director to members of the media and content creators. Jay Lopez took the helm last May, and the executive brings with him a diverse background with stints in multinational agriculture, pharmaceutical, and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods). Interestingly, it's his first stint with an automobile company, but insisted that it's exactly why he's a perfect fit for the job.

"When Ayala invited me, they were really looking for fresh perspective, outside looking in, another angle for distribution," he shared when asked by this writer. "I think it's nice to work for a local conglomerate, I'm now reporting to Jaime Alfonso (Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility)... it's a nice change. Everything stops with Jaime," he said with a smile, adding, "I may not have been in the automotive industry, but I have loved cars (ever since)."

His consumer background brings in insight, he averred. Ad spending in MNCs (multinational corporations) is huge. "You really need to do a lot of testing first; understanding (and) segmenting the consumers to really pinpoint the focus."