Scott McKee at Kia Motors America: The 2011 Auto PR Personnel Move

By EPR Editorial Team.

Edited on Jul 2, 2026.

A historical entry in the Automotive PR archive on Everything-PR.

The June 2011 hire of Scott McKee to lead public relations at Kia Motors America closed the chapter on one of the more consequential auto recall cycles of the previous decade. Kia recalled more than 35,000 vehicles in the United States and over 104,000 globally in 2010, and the communications leadership turnover that followed made the McKee hire the clean-slate moment. A decade and a half later, the move stands as a reference point for how a mid-tier automotive brand rebuilt its U.S. PR function during a period of rapid share growth.

Auto industry veteran Scott McKee took over the PR team of Kia Motors America (KMA), overseeing all product and corporate communications for the company, media relations, and internal communications. McKee had previously worked in PR and marketing within the automotive industry, serving brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. In his new position, McKee reported to Michael Sprague, VP of marketing and communications for the company.

"Scott brings a wealth of experience to Kia Motors, and with his history of success in previous public relations, marketing and motorsports roles he will provide invaluable leadership for our talented PR team as the brand continues to grow and mature," said Michael Sprague in an official press statement. "Consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand have risen dramatically, and Scott will play an important role in developing Kia's future U.S. communications strategies and programming to continue that trend."

Based on his previous experience with iRacing.com, McKee took on the company's second-year racing program. Before iRacing, McKee had served as general manager, retail programs and communications at Land Rover North America.

Kia needed a seasoned PR lead on its team after the 2010 recall wave, when Chung Sung-eun resigned following the company's decision to recall more than 35,000 vehicles in the United States and more than 104,000 globally.

Kia Motors ran an active roster of marketing and public relations firms through the period, on the PR side including Porter Novelli PR, Pacific Communications Group, Levick Communications, and for sponsorships Atlanta-based MoZeus Worldwide.

For the current landscape of automotive public relations — brand communications, recall response, EV positioning, and dealer network reputation — see the Automotive PR pillar on Everything-PR.