Marketing test awaits Hyundai with NFL kickoff

NoneRoster movesHyundai and its corporate-owned ad agency, Innocean, made big changes in June amid Hyundai's campaign for a louder voice in U.S. media. Who's in Steve Jun, CEO, Innocean USA. After an 18-month stint leading Innocean's European division, he was brought to Huntington Beach, Calif., to run the shop. Tim Blett, managing director, Innocean USA. He once managed the “Zoom Zoom” campaign for Mazda at ad agency Doner; now he's on Innocean's Hyundai account. Who's out Tony Kim, CEO, Innocean USA. After six years leading the agency's U.S. office, Kim was given a new posting at Innocean's headquarters in Seoul. David Matathia, director of marketing communications, Hyundai Motor America. He left for a high-ranking job at an Atlanta advertising agency, leaving Hyundai Motor America without a chief marketing officer or a No. 2 marketer. Big-league dealsHyundai Motor Co.'s sponsorship of the National Football League is just the latest sign of the Korean group's affinity for sports marketing. Here are 3 other deals in place. FIFA: Since inking a deal with the global soccer federation in 1999, Hyundai has sponsored 4 World Cups. Its current deal, which includes Kia, runs through 2022. NBA: Kia has sponsored the National Basketball Association since 2009, when it replaced Toyota. Throughout the season, stars vie to be the Kia Player of the Month. NCAA: Hyundai has held campus events at hundreds of college football games since 2011 with marketing firm IMG, often wrapping cars in the colors of the home team. On any given Sunday this fall, Hyundai Motor Co. will enjoy the national spotlight alongside stars such as Tom Brady and Russell Wilson. Yet it's still unclear whether Hyundai will be ready to make the most of the opportunity.

Marketing test awaits Hyundai with NFL kickoff

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