IRVINE, May 13—Veteran automotive public relations executive Kim Custer has joined Kia Motors America as director of public relations. He replaces longtime Kia public relations executive Geno Effler, who recently left the company, and will oversee all product and corporate communications for the company including media relations, internal communications, new product launches and current product publicity.
 
For more than a decade, Custer served as director of public affairs and corporate communications for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, where he was responsible for product and corporate public relations, media crisis management, internal corporate communications, community relations and corporate giving.
 
According to Peter Butterfield, Kia’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, “His solid understanding of the automotive industry and a proven track record of success will help elevate the company’s communications programs as we move to a new level of success in the U.S. market.”
 
Prior to joining Mitsubishi, Custer served as director of the automotive group at Bob Thomas & Associates, serving as a senior member of the Nissan Motors account team. Immediately prior to joining Kia, Custer was vice president, global marketing and communications for Korn/Ferry International.