Kia America’s Eric Watson has been recognized as an Automotive News All-Star for 2023. This prestigious award acknowledges exceptional leaders in the automotive sector, and Watson’s outstanding contributions have earned him this prestigious and well-deserved recognition.
In his role as the vice president of sales operations at Kia America, Watson holds responsibility for overseeing national and regional sales operations across the United States. Under his leadership, Kia has achieved remarkable success, setting its seventh consecutive retail sales record in 2023. The company has also experienced 16 months of continuous year-over-year growth, and in less than 11 months, it surpassed its previous all-time total volume record in the U.S.
Expressing his gratitude for the accolade, Watson remarked, “I am honoured to be among the 2023 Automotive News All-Stars as both past and present recipients of this award represent the best of the best within the industry. I am dedicated to fostering relationships and creating an environment of collaboration, respect, and professional excellence, and I am fortunate to be part of an organization that also holds those values in high regard.”
Notably, Kia America’s sales in the U.S. have outperformed those of any other mainstream brand in the same period in 2019. Watson’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the company’s success, with average sales per dealer growing by over 30 percent, and overall dealer profitability surpassing the mass market brand average for the past 30 months.
Furthermore, Watson has played a pivotal role in facilitating Kia’s transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) models to electrified vehicles, which now account for 16 percent of the company’s sales mix. His strategic vision and leadership have been crucial in steering Kia America towards continued growth and success in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Before joining Kia, Watson held significant leadership positions in sales and marketing with esteemed companies such as Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, and Mazda. His wealth of experience and comprehensive understanding of the automotive industry have undoubtedly been valuable assets in propelling Kia’s ascent in the U.S. market.
The honour bestowed upon Eric Watson underscores his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he continues to drive Kia America’s success, his dedication and vision are sure to inspire continued growth and innovation in the automotive industry.
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