Ex-Toyota Man To Now Head Kia India's Sales And Marketing
Kia India has appointed Atul Sood as its new Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing. The move comes as the company looks to build on its growth in the Indian market and expand its presence in the electric vehicle space.
Sood takes over from Hardeep Singh Brar, who recently joined BMW Group India as President and CEO. His appointment is effective from July 11, 2025. He will now lead Kia’s national sales and marketing strategy, reporting directly to Chief Sales Officer Joonsu Cho.
Brings Decades of Experience from Toyota
Sood has nearly 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. Before joining Kia, he was President and Director of Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India. He has also held key roles at Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific. Sood holds a degree in mechanical engineering and a postgraduate qualification in marketing.
His move is seen as part of a growing trend in the auto industry where companies are appointing seasoned professionals who understand both traditional car sales and the shift to new technologies like electric vehicles.
Kia’s Fast Growth in India
Kia entered the Indian market in 2019 and quickly became one of the top-selling car brands. In the first half of 2025, it sold over 1.42 lakh vehicles in India, marking a 12.7% growth over the same period last year. India is now Kia’s fourth-largest global market, contributing nearly 9% to the company’s worldwide sales.
The brand’s rapid growth has been supported by expanding its dealer and service network. Kia now has 744 touchpoints in 329 cities, compared to 522 locations in 236 cities just a few years ago. The company is aiming for a 10% market share by 2030.
Focus on Electric Vehicles
Kia is preparing to launch several electric vehicles in India, including electric versions of its popular models like the Clavis. It expects EVs to make up around 7% of its sales in the medium term. This comes at a time when the EV market in India is expected to grow significantly over the next three years.
With growing competition in the electric space, having experienced leadership like Sood’s could help Kia make the transition smoothly. His background in mobility services could also be valuable as Kia explores connected car technologies and future mobility solutions.
Industry Sees Leadership Shuffle
Sood’s appointment is part of a wider reshuffle happening in the Indian auto industry. Several companies are bringing in new leaders as they prepare for changes in customer demand, regulations, and technology. The move also reflects the growing importance of India in global business plans for carmakers.
Kia’s previous sales head, Hardeep Singh Brar, taking charge of BMW India shows the high level of talent movement across companies. Firms are now looking for leaders who understand both sales operations and changing customer expectations, especially with digital tools and electric vehicles becoming more common.
What's Next for Kia India
Under Sood’s leadership, Kia is expected to focus on its core strength; recreational vehicles like SUVs and MPVs which are in high demand in India. The company has already dispatched nearly 1.5 million vehicles from its Anantapur plant since launch, including over 1.2 million units for the domestic market.
Kia is also strengthening its presence in connected technology. Over 4.5 lakh connected Kia vehicles are currently on Indian roads, a number the company sees as key to its future growth strategy.
Sood’s appointment marks a leadership change that comes at a critical time. With new products, expanding networks, and a growing EV plan, Kia is preparing for a busy few years ahead.