MISSISSAUGA, Ontario -

Kia Canada revealed its new president and chief executive officer this week.

Taking over for Jay Chung at the company’s helm is William Lee, who has worked in the auto industry for more than two decades, 18 years of which were spent working overseas.

The move became effective immediately.

Chung has taken a position with the parent company at Kia after more than four years in the Canadian president and CEO post.

Lee started at Kia Belgium in 2002 and headed up in operations under the Distributor of the Netherlands.

His background also includes heading up exports operations for Kia in Western European, Middle Eastern and African markets.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Kia Canada into the next decade of operations,” Lee noted. “Kia has experienced exceptional growth here in Canada, and I plan to continue that direction moving forward.”