Press release
MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 15- KIA Canada today announced that MariaSoklis has been named Chief Operating Officer and Vice - President. The announcement was made by Mr. Jay Chung, President and C.E.O. of KIA Canada.
Ms. Soklis is the first female to ascend to the position of COO and Vice -President within the KIA Motors' International Organization. "Maria Soklis brings outstanding leadership skills, sound business judgement and integrity to the COO position which will enable her to lead KIA Canada to new heights," said Jay Chung. "
Through her leadership and guidance KIA Canada has experienced record sales growth and she has been instrumental to the ongoing overall improvement in dealer satisfaction which was reflected in KCI receiving the 2007 CADA Award for Most Improved Franchise. During her tenure at KIA Canada, Ms. Soklis has led KCI to a 26.9 per cent increase in sales through to 2008 and a 6.2 percent increase in sales for the first quarter of 2009.
This was a significant achievement in a market that posted an overall industry decline of 21.8 per cent last quarter. Maria accepted the Global Subsidiary of the Year Award on behalf of KIA Canada in 2008. This award is given in recognition of the highest professionalism and best overall business performance among KIA Motors' entire sales subsidiaries world wide."
In her new role, Ms. Soklis will be responsible for both the daily and strategic operations of the Sales, Marketing, Service, Parts, PR, Legal and Human Resources Departments. "Today's uncertain economic climate requires a new style of leadership," says Shelley Tavener, Public Relations Manager at KIA Canada. "Automotive leaders need a customer centric approach to business as well as the skills to guide their organizations through these difficult times. Maria has a record of success for introducing customer focused initiatives such as the KIA Integrity Advantage Program.
She has also pioneered many of KIA Canada's charitable commitments such as KIA's Habitat for Humanity Canada Sponsorship Program and she is a proud supporter of the Habitat Toronto Women's Build Initiative. Everyone at KIA Canada has no doubt that she is the right person for this important role."
"Ms. Soklis has clearly demonstrated tremendous leadership within KIA to achieve this new position," said Neil Hetherington, CEO Habitat for Humanity Toronto. "Moreover, her leadership has extended to the community as a whole through partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. On behalf of Habitat for Humanity Toronto's board of directors and our partner families we wish her every success in this new role."
Prior to joining KIA Canada in 2006, Ms. Soklis held positions with increasing responsibility within General Motors Europe and General Motors International Operations before assuming a role with General Motors Canada.
Maria Soklis is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and is married with three children.
photo:Kia
MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 15- KIA Canada today announced that MariaSoklis has been named Chief Operating Officer and Vice - President. The announcement was made by Mr. Jay Chung, President and C.E.O. of KIA Canada.
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Ms. Soklis is the first female to ascend to the position of COO and Vice -President within the KIA Motors' International Organization. "Maria Soklis brings outstanding leadership skills, sound business judgement and integrity to the COO position which will enable her to lead KIA Canada to new heights," said Jay Chung. "
Through her leadership and guidance KIA Canada has experienced record sales growth and she has been instrumental to the ongoing overall improvement in dealer satisfaction which was reflected in KCI receiving the 2007 CADA Award for Most Improved Franchise. During her tenure at KIA Canada, Ms. Soklis has led KCI to a 26.9 per cent increase in sales through to 2008 and a 6.2 percent increase in sales for the first quarter of 2009.
This was a significant achievement in a market that posted an overall industry decline of 21.8 per cent last quarter. Maria accepted the Global Subsidiary of the Year Award on behalf of KIA Canada in 2008. This award is given in recognition of the highest professionalism and best overall business performance among KIA Motors' entire sales subsidiaries world wide."
In her new role, Ms. Soklis will be responsible for both the daily and strategic operations of the Sales, Marketing, Service, Parts, PR, Legal and Human Resources Departments. "Today's uncertain economic climate requires a new style of leadership," says Shelley Tavener, Public Relations Manager at KIA Canada. "Automotive leaders need a customer centric approach to business as well as the skills to guide their organizations through these difficult times. Maria has a record of success for introducing customer focused initiatives such as the KIA Integrity Advantage Program.
She has also pioneered many of KIA Canada's charitable commitments such as KIA's Habitat for Humanity Canada Sponsorship Program and she is a proud supporter of the Habitat Toronto Women's Build Initiative. Everyone at KIA Canada has no doubt that she is the right person for this important role."
"Ms. Soklis has clearly demonstrated tremendous leadership within KIA to achieve this new position," said Neil Hetherington, CEO Habitat for Humanity Toronto. "Moreover, her leadership has extended to the community as a whole through partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. On behalf of Habitat for Humanity Toronto's board of directors and our partner families we wish her every success in this new role."
Prior to joining KIA Canada in 2006, Ms. Soklis held positions with increasing responsibility within General Motors Europe and General Motors International Operations before assuming a role with General Motors Canada.
Maria Soklis is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and is married with three children.
photo:Kia