Paul Philpott wins ‘Editor’s Award’ at 2023 Autocar Awards

Posted by Azizi Media - Wednesday, 26th April 2023

President and CEO of Kia UK, Paul Philpott, wins Autocar’s prestigious ‘Editor’s Award’
Philpott commended for transforming Kia into ‘major player’

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK, has won the prestigious ‘Editor’s Award’ at the 2023 Autocar Awards, announced during the ceremony at Silverstone last night. The ‘Editor’s Award’ is bestowed upon an individual who has had the greatest impact on success in their company.

Philpott, who has been President and CEO of Kia UK since July 2012, has led the brand to record-breaking success, surpassing 100,000 annual sales in 2022 for the first time in the firm’s UK history, and collecting countless awards.

Having joined Kia UK as Managing Director in 2007, he moved to Frankfurt in 2009 to become Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe. During his time at Kia Europe Philpott led the brand through a period of significant expansion and the launch of the innovative and still industry leading seven-year warranty. He also presided over a product blitz that has seen Kia establish itself as one of Europe’s fastest growing car brands. Philpott returned to take the helm of Kia UK in 2012, and has since steered Kia to astronomical success.

Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar, commented: “The story of Kia’s remarkable rise past 100,000 annual sales in the UK all started at the end of 2006, when Paul Philpott outlined his vision for Kia. In the 16 years since, Philpott has completely transformed Kia in the UK and delivered remarkable and sustainable long-term growth and success. Don’t expect this to be the last time Kia goes beyond that 100,000 milestone.

“Kias are better to look at and better to drive than ever, and they have retained their value and warranty. Perhaps most remarkable of all is how on Philpott’s watch the brand itself and its image have transitioned from the bottom of the UK table to firmly into the forward-looking mainstream. Some turnaround, then, and some leadership to get there.”

Commenting on the award win, Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK Ltd. said “Winning this award is a true honour for me, my thanks goes to Mark Tisshaw and the wider Autocar team who continue to support Kia’s growth. Whilst this award is for me personally, I must thank all at Kia UK and our nationwide dealer partners. Without their determination, dedication and ambition, Kia UK wouldn’t be where it is today. This award comes at an important time for Kia, as we continue our journey into electrification and sustainable mobility services, whilst gaining further positive reputation and a wider customer base.”

2023 marks Philpott’s 16th year working for Kia and his 11th year of leading Kia UK as President and CEO, with the brand set to continue its successful momentum. Kia has already set in motion its ‘Plan S’ strategy, which will see 15 EVs rolled out worldwide by 2027 – nine of which will make their way to the UK. The next to arrive will be the hotly anticipated EV9, which will debut in the UK later this year.

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