World Marketing Group Names Jim Sanfilippo EVP, Chief Operating Officer

IRVINE, Calif., May. 19 /PRNewswire/ --

IRVINE, Calif., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- William Y.W. Lee, CEO of World Marketing Group, in Irvine California, announced today that Jim Sanfilippo is joining the company as its Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer.

WMG is currently responsible for overseeing and coordinating Hyundai and Kia Motor America's media planning and buying, research, media audit and accountability, promotion and other marketing activities.

A highly respected agency and industry veteran, Mr. Sanfilippo was most recently Chief Marketing Officer of WPP's Team Detroit serving Ford Motor Company's Ford, Lincoln and Mercury business in the U.S.

Jim enjoys a deep history with both Hyundai and Kia, having led Hyundai's first agency of record, Backer Speilvogel Bates during Hyundai Motor America's founding years, and also having enjoyed leadership roles at Kia Motors America, including Vice President of Marketing.

"We are delighted that Jim has joined WMG," said William Lee. "I know Jim supports Hyundai and Kia's aggressive U.S. growth plans and he's committed to working closely with our clients at Hyundai and Kia to grow the brands to the next level in North America."

Born in New York, Jim grew up in Southern California and is a UCLA Alumnus.

World Marketing Group -- the media management group for Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors America -- is responsible for creative media strategy development and execution, research, media audit and accountability and promotions in support of HMA and KMA marketing strategies and goals in the United States.