KIA America’s Steven Center Announces Retirement After Decades of Distinction in the Automobile Industry

Kia America’s Chief Operating Officer, Steven Center, has announced his retirement from the company  as of August 31^st after an illustrious career that has spanned over 46 years.

Before joining Kia America, Steve held numerous leadership positions with domestic and import brands, including time on both the manufacturing and retail side of the business.

“On behalf of all of us at Kia America and our dealers across the country,” said SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, “it has been a sincere pleasure to work with and, perhaps more importantly, learn from Steve and for that we wish him much success as he moves into this exciting new phase.”

“It has been an honor to be part of Kia’s incredible growth and transformation,” said Mr. Center. “My time here has been filled with pride and admiration for the entire team as we successfully attracted new customers, new dealers and clearly elevated Kia’s position in the marketplace today and for many years to come.”

In his next chapter, Steve plans to stay active in the industry through advisory, coaching and academic roles.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

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* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.