Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. has announced changes to its marketing department, with personnel shifts and the addition of a new department. Their new national manager of marketing communications as of July 12th is Kristina Covello-Garcia, with Christine Smith moving into the position of Hyundai’s director of marketing.
Christine Smith, director of marketing
Smith led the Hyundai Canada account in their marketing agency of record Innocean, most recently as senior vice president of client business. She brings almost 30 years of marketing experience to the role, featuring progressive agency roles in the automotive and consumer packaged goods sectors. In her new role as director of marketing, Smith will report to Don Romano, president and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada.
Smith is eager to try her hand at Hyundai Canada’s client-side, after spending years providing support and direction on the agency-side. “I’m thrilled to join Hyundai Canada client-side, and am very proud to lead the talented and dedicated marketing team I’ve had the pleasure of working on a number of award-winning campaigns with,” she says.
Kristina Covello-Garcia, national manager of marketing communications
Also joining the Hyundai marketing team is Kristina Covello-Garcia, the new national manager of marketing communications, reporting to Christine Smith. Covello-Garcia boasts over 16 years of experience in the automotive industry, from manufacturing experience with Ford Motor Company of Canada to field management with General Motors of Canada. She joined Hyundai in 2010, working in a variety of well-rounded roles.
“Having worked in almost every area of the business, I have a deep understanding of the brand and the importance of successfully communicating our visions to consumers,” Covello-Garcia says. “I look forward to applying my industry expertise into marketing and joining a highly successful, innovative team that shares my enthusiasm.”
Hyundai has also announced the creation of a new department, digital business development. Led by Adam Mintz as senior manager, the new department aims to increase its focus on the online customer journey.
