Things are fast shaping up for Kia, not just in its global brand imaging or its physical stores, but in its local top-level management, as well. Recently, Kia in the country announced the changing of its guard as its current president, Manny Aligada is set to retire by the end of the month. Replacing him in his top position is its chief operating officer, Brian Buendia.
Aligada has long served under Ayala Corporation, first being its head of customer service at Globe Telecom, Inc. since 1998 before leading a few of the brands under its automotive arm. He was chief operations officer of Honda Cars Makati, Inc. before eventually being named the dealership’s managing director and Isuzu Automotive Dealership, Inc’s president. After his stints there, Aligada was assigned as deputy chief executive officer of Ayala Automotive Holdings Corporation.
In 2019, he took on the role as president of Kia Philippines when Ayala took over the brand from its former principal, Columbian Autocar Corporation.
Buendia, on the other hand, has been with Ayala’s automotive arm since 1998, earning a long career in sales, business development and network operations. With his expertise, he is expected to steer the company in its brand and marketing plans and performances.
He is also seen to continue the company’s local electric vehicle ecosystem, treading a path toward smarter, cleaner and more sustainable technologies.
Starting July 1, 2023, Buendia will take over the helm of the Korean carmaker.
