Seoul: Song Ho-sung, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Kia Corp., has received the top honor at the 2025 Autocar Awards in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the global automotive industry, the automaker said Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Song was awarded the prestigious Issigonis Trophy at the annual awards. The trophy is named after legendary automotive designer Alec Issigonis. It is the most prestigious award given by Autocar, a leading British automotive magazine, and is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding innovation, leadership, and business performance in the industry.
"(Song) has championed great design and improved branding, and confronted the challenge of electrification by making better, more desirable cars that are among the industry's best," said Autocar Editor Mark Tisshaw.
In accepting the award, Song expressed sincere thanks to the recognition of Kia's team worldwide, saying their dedication and belief in the company's mission continue to drive the brand forward. "Our commitment remains clear: to design with intention, to lead with responsibility and to deliver experiences that inspire. We vow to keep pushing boundaries with purpose."
Since taking the helm in 2020, Song has overseen Kia's transformation under its mid- to long-term strategy, named Plan S, aimed at positioning the company as a global leader in electrification and sustainable mobility. The strategy has undergone a rebranding initiative and the global rollout of award-winning electric vehicles (EVs), including the EV9, which was named the 2024 World Car of the Year, and the EV3, which earned both the World Car of the Year and British Car of the Year titles in 2025.