Hyundai seeks to replace marketing chief

Hyundai is looking for a marketing director following the sudden resignation of Jonathan Spence.

It is not known whether Spence, who has worked at the car company for three years, has a job to go to. At present there is no replacement for him, and the company is understood to be talking to external candidates.

Spence joined Hyundai as top marketer in 1999 from Dixons, where he had been brand director. He replaced Ken Lee, who left to join the RAC.

Spence had overall responsibility for Hyundai’s &£11.5m advertising budget. The company’s UK advertising is created by Leagas Delaney and media buying and planning is handled by PHD.

The most memorable advertising Spence oversaw in his time at Hyundai was for the Amica. The company drafted in the services of former Bros singer Luke Goss, and used the Eighties’ pop group’s most famous song, “When will I be famous?”. Spence also oversaw the launch of the Santa Fe sports utility vehicle and the new Coupé.

Commenting on his departure, Spence says: “I am exploring a number of avenues to develop the next stage of my career, and now seems a good time to make the move.”

Hyundai cars are distributed in the UK by Lex Services.

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