• by Tanya Gazdik , February 7, 2023

Kia America has hired a former Nissan executive as its new director of brand experience. 

Brad Mays brings more than 25 year experience to the automaker. He will lead all aspects of public relations and external communications including events, experiential, auto shows and strategic partnerships. 

Mays’ appointment is effective immediately and he will report directly to Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America.

Mays most recent position was as the global head of communications strategy and insights for Nissan Motor Corp. He left that position in Japan in July 2022 after almost five years. 

Previously, Mays served as the global head of integration at Burson-Marsteller and general manager, digital, for Edelman. He has also held positions with WCG and Fleishman-Hillard.

Some of the clients and accounts he managed include Chipotle, Coke, FitBit, Bristol Myers Squib, Ford Motor Company, Bank of America, and FedEx, ConAgra, SC Johnson, Darden, Humana, Hershey’s, Intel and Pfizer.

"Kia is focused on becoming a leader in sustainable mobility and Mays’ experience and data-driven insights will shape our communications and marketing efforts as we further our current momentum and continue gaining U.S. market share," said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, in a release.

Mays replaces Michael McHale, who left Kia in March 2022.