MITSUBISHI Motors' sales and marketing director Paul Williams is leaving the company to become managing director of Kia Motors (UK).

Williams (41) joined Mitsubishi in September 1999, having worked with Peugeot, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and Daihatsu, where he was managing director.

He said: 'The three years with Mitsubishi have been a valuable and enjoyable experience but the opportunity to return to the role of managing director is too much of an opportunity to refuse.'

He succeeds Mark Quinn, who left Kia in August to pursue a career as a consultant. Lance Bradley, currently sales operations director with Mitsubishi, takes on the role of sales and marketing director.