Chris Perry, Hyundai's top marketing executive, has left Hyundai for Chevrolet. On the surface it doesn't seem to make sense because Hyundai is white hot right now. However, Chevrolet's marketing budget must surely dwarf Hyundai's, which advertised in the Super Bowl this year. Chevy didn't but that is bound to change. Maybe all that potential GM IPO money was just too tempting to pass up.
It's going to be interesting to see who Perry's replacement is at Hyundai. The company is doing well but must sustain that momentum as it prepares to introduce products like the Equus and the Veloster. You need more than just great products to sell cars.
Here is the partial text of the release from Chevrolet:
DETROIT – Christopher J. Perry has been named vice president, Chevrolet marketing, effective immediately, joining the brand from Hyundai Motor America where he was vice president, marketing, General Motors U.S. Vice President of Marketing Joel Ewanick announced today.
“Chris brings 25 years of marketing experience – more than 20 years in the automotive industry - to the Chevrolet marketing position,” Ewanick said. “I have worked with Chris in the past and know he will use his unique ability to integrate strategic and creative marketing activities across all communications disciplines to reconnect consumers to the Chevrolet brand.”
Perry joined Hyundai in 2000 as the head of brand planning. While at Hyundai, he progressed through a variety of brand, marketing and advertising positions, before being named vice president, marketing communications in April, 2010.
Prior to joining Hyundai, Perry spent nearly 10 years at American Isuzu Motors, where he held a variety of marketing and advertising positions.
Comments