Paul’s career in the automotive sector stretches back 37 years, where after graduating with a degree in Banking and Finance from Loughborough University, he joined Ford of Britain, rising through the ranks before joining Toyota GB, and becoming a director at the age of 34.

In 2007, he then joined Kia UK as managing director, putting the brand on a path of rapid, sustainable growth, before moving to Kia Europe in Frankfurt to lead the brand at the European level as chief operating officer. In 2012, he returned to the UK, to become the first non-Korean president and chief executive of an international Kia subsidiary, where he has overseen the brand’s transition to zero emission motoring and expansion into commercial vehicles. In 2026, Kia is now a top automotive brand in the UK, regularly posting record sales achievements and winning revered industry awards.

Paul’s leadership is defined by a genuine commitment to people, inclusion and personal development, consistently putting “people before profit” and creating a culture where employees feel valued, supported and empowered. He has championed gender diversity and inclusive leadership, while driving Kia UK’s comprehensive Inclusion Plan to improve recruitment, progression, leadership development and employee wellbeing for all colleagues. His focus on listening to employees and acting on feedback has helped Kia UK become one of the UK’s highest-rated workplaces.