Kia has appointed Soohang Chang as President and Chief Executive of Kia Europe, effective Jan. 1, 2026, as the automaker sharpens its focus on electrification across the region.
Chang, currently head of Kia’s Middle East and Africa operations, will succeed Marc Hedrich, who will remain with the company and move into the role of President of Kia France, Kia said. Hedrich previously held the French leadership post from 2021 to 2023 and has been credited with strengthening the brand’s position in the market.
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Kia said Chang brings extensive international experience to the role, including more than a decade working in Europe earlier in his career, giving him familiarity with the company’s European headquarters in Frankfurt. In his new position, Chang will be responsible for strengthening competitiveness and boosting sales across the region.
“He has demonstrated his capabilities through the results achieved in various markets and is expected to leverage this experience to guide Kia through Europe’s evolving automotive landscape, driving the brand’s long-term growth in one of the world’s most dynamic regions,” Kia said in a statement.
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Electrification will be a central priority of Chang’s mandate, as European regulators tighten emissions rules and competition intensifies among electric vehicle manufacturers. Kia has been expanding its EV lineup in Europe as part of its broader global transition toward battery-powered mobility.
The leadership change places a South Korean executive back at the helm of Kia’s European operations, underlining the company’s intent to align regional execution closely with its global strategy.