Kia India has announced the appointment of Atul Sood as its new Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, marking a significant addition to its top leadership team as the Korean auto major accelerates its next phase of growth in India’s competitive automotive market. The company confirmed that Sood has already assumed his responsibilities and will report directly to Kia India’s Managing Director and CEO, Tae-Jin Park.
Profile of Atul Sood
Atul Sood brings over 25 years of extensive automotive industry experience, having held leadership roles across leading global and Indian OEMs. His expertise spans:
- Sales Strategy and Operations
- Dealer Network Development
- Brand Marketing and Digital Transformation
- New Product Launches and Go-to-Market Execution
Previous Roles and Achievements
Before joining Kia India, Sood served as:
- Chief Business Officer at MG Motor India, where he was instrumental in scaling market share and introducing successful SUV models with connected car technologies.
- Vice President – Sales & Marketing at Volkswagen India, leading network expansion and sales turnaround strategies.
- Held leadership positions at Maruti Suzuki, where he contributed to category-defining product marketing and dealer development initiatives.
Industry Reactions to His Appointment
Automotive analysts view Sood’s appointment as a strategic move by Kia to:
- Strengthen its leadership bench with an industry veteran known for execution and brand building.
- Prepare for upcoming EV launches, given his experience in electric mobility strategy at MG Motor.
- Expand market share beyond compact SUVs into premium MPVs, sedans, and electric segments.
Statements From Kia India
Commenting on the appointment, Kia India MD & CEO Tae-Jin Park said:
“Atul’s deep understanding of the Indian automotive market and proven track record in sales and marketing transformation will help Kia India consolidate its position as a leading and aspirational brand.”
Atul Sood expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating:
“Kia has set benchmarks in design, technology, and customer delight within a short span in India. I am excited to join this dynamic team to drive the next level of growth and customer engagement.”
Kia India’s Performance and Market Position
Since its entry into India in 2019, Kia has emerged as a top 5 passenger vehicle manufacturer with popular models such as:
- Kia Seltos: Mid-size SUV segment leader at launch, recently facelifted with ADAS features.
- Kia Sonet: Compact SUV competing strongly in the sub-4 metre segment.
- Kia Carens: Three-row MPV catering to family buyers and fleet operators.
- Kia EV6: Flagship electric crossover marking its entry into premium EVs.
Recent Sales Performance
| Model | June 2025 Sales (Units) | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Seltos | 9,320 | +12% |
| Sonet | 8,540 | +18% |
| Carens | 5,210 | +14% |
| EV6 | 85 | +40% |
| Total | 23,155 | +15% |
The brand crossed 1 million cumulative sales in India in May 2025, achieving this milestone in under 6 years, the fastest by any new entrant in the Indian automotive market.
Upcoming Strategic Focus Under Atul Sood
- New Product Launches: Kia is expected to launch its mass-market electric SUV in 2026, expanding its EV portfolio under Sood’s leadership.
- Network Expansion: Plans to increase its dealership footprint from 350 to 500 touchpoints by 2027 to penetrate deeper into Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.
- Customer Experience Transformation: Enhancing digital sales channels, financing partnerships, and service excellence programmes to improve customer retention.
- Brand Repositioning: Leveraging design, safety, and technology strengths to position Kia as an aspirational yet accessible brand.
Automotive Industry Expert Views
Naveen Chandra, an independent automotive consultant, said:
“Atul Sood’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture as Kia aims to consolidate its leadership in SUVs while scaling up electric mobility. His combined experience across traditional and EV-focused OEMs will support this dual strategy effectively.”
Kia India: Recent Milestones
| Year | Key Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Launched Seltos; entered India market |
| 2020 | Became fastest OEM to reach 150,000 sales |
| 2021 | Launched Sonet; entered sub-compact SUV segment |
| 2022 | Introduced Carens MPV; launched EV6 |
| 2025 | Crossed 1 million cumulative sales |
Challenges Ahead For Kia India
Despite its strong market position, Kia faces:
- Intensifying competition in SUVs from Maruti, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Mahindra, and emerging Chinese brands.
- Regulatory pressures on emissions and safety standards driving cost increases.
- The need to scale EV infrastructure and localisation to compete effectively in the electric mobility segment.
Atul Sood’s Strategic Priorities
- Sustain Growth Momentum: Maintain Kia’s market share in SUVs through new variants, refreshes, and competitive pricing.
- Accelerate EV Plans: Develop differentiated customer propositions for upcoming electric models.
- Strengthen Dealer Viability: Improve dealer profitability amid margin pressures.
- Enhance Brand Equity: Build premium positioning anchored on design, technology, and ownership experience.
Future Outlook
With Atul Sood joining as Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Kia India is expected to:
- Expand volumes by 20% YoY in FY26 with new launches and enhanced rural penetration.
- Strengthen its EV readiness with battery sourcing, assembly plans, and strategic collaborations.
- Leverage digital retail platforms and financing partnerships to improve conversion rates and customer convenience.
Conclusion
Atul Sood’s appointment is a strategic leadership addition for Kia India as it navigates the next phase of growth in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. His proven expertise across market segments, new product commercialisation, and brand building is expected to accelerate Kia’s aspirations to remain among India’s top automotive brands while transforming into a future-ready mobility solutions provider.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on public corporate announcements, market data, and industry analysis. It does not constitute investment or career advice and is intended solely for informational and journalistic purposes. Readers are advised to consult professional experts for personalised recommendations.
