Hyundai Car UK promotes finance director to top job
Hyundai Car UK (HCUK) has appointed Ray Pope as its new managing director. Pope, who has been promoted from his position of finance director at HCUK, replaces David Walker, who was recently appointed managing director of BSM, the world’s largest driving school (MW last week).
Walker left HCUK after 21 years following the company’s takeover by Hyundai Motor Europe, the Korean car manufacturer’s European division (MW June 16). He was one of three senior staff who did not move across to the new business.
The takeover followed the &£1.1bn acquisition of HCUK’s parent company, the RAC, by Aviva, which triggered the reversion of HCUK to Korean control.
Hyundai achieved its highest-ever sales in the UK last year with a 17 per cent increase, and Hyundai Motor Europe (HME) aims to further increase sales to support its ambition of breaking into the top five global car companies by 2010.
Last year, HCUK awarded its &£12m advertising account to Vallance Carruthers Coleman Priest (VCCP) after a pitch against Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO (MW February 12, 2004). The review was overseen by UK marketing director Jim Campbell, who is still with the company. VCCP pitched against Atlas, Banks Hoggins O’Shea/FCB and incumbent Leagas Delaney to win the business.
International Motors Group imported Hyundai cars into the UK from 1982 until 1994, when ownership of the UK franchise passed to Lex Service (now part of the RAC) with the formation of HCUK.
