Kia Reorganizes After Chief’s Death

Kia Motors America Inc. said Thursday it will not replace chief operating officer Greg Warner, who died March 10 of cardiac arrest. Instead, the company has shuffled the assignments of a number of existing managers.

Under the reorganization, Dick Macedo, formerly vice president of marketing, will become the Irvine-based auto importer’s No. 2 executive under President and Chief Executive W.K. Kim. Macedo will be vice president for marketing and sales, responsible for the South Korean car maker’s U.S. dealer development and distribution programs as well as its marketing efforts.

The moves will likely strengthen Seoul-based Kia Motors Corp.’s control over its U.S. import and distribution arm. Kia, South Korea’s second-largest auto maker, is bankrupt and being operated under the protection of the nation’s central bank. It’s U.S. sales are critical to its future.