• December 15, 2006

Kia's agency of record David and Goliath has hired Russell Wager, former head account person on Mazda at Doner, Newport Beach, to run the Kia business as managing partner/group account director.*

Kia's head of marketing in the U.S., Ian Beavis, confirmed the move--saying he was involved with the choice, but it was an agency decision.

"Wager is really sharp; he is very well rounded, with experience both on the brand and retail side," said Beavis. "And, frankly, we were looking for someone who could run both sides of the business at the agency."

But he added that it was D and G creative director David Angelo's decision. "He has the vision of where he wants to head and how to structure it. He came to us and asked our opinion, and we endorsed it," said Beavis. -- Karl Greenberg * This paragraph was edited after the original story posted.