SsangYong appoints Kia marketer to head UK relaunch

SsangYong has appointed Kia marketer Nigel Unwin (left) as marketing director to work on the relaunch of the brand in the UK. In his new role, Unwin reports to his former boss at Kia Paul Williams, who joined SsangYong as managing director earlier this month (MW January 10).

Unwin, who was events, promotions and sponsorship manager at Kia, will be responsible for advertising, sponsorship, sales promotion, incentive programmes and events and exhibitions at SsangYong, which went into administration at the end of last year.

The marque is being relaunched by Koelliker UK, which has acquired certain assets from SsangYong UK, including vehicle and parts stock and offices in Hampshire.

Unwin was part of the team that launched Daewoo in 1995 and Williams says: “I believe that we need to be very focused in targeting particular market segments and users with SsangYong, and that will include taking the product to the customers rather than expecting them to come to us. Nigel’s experience of building brands and outside events is especially relevant.”