FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California: Michelle Cervantez, vp-marketing at Hyundai Motor America for the past thirteen months, abruptly quit the company last week.

Although lips are zipped as to the reasons for her departure, it comes just two months after the arrival of chief operating officer Steve Wilhite. And although the coo title of can imply a number of differing commercial disciplines, there is no uncertainty about his role in this case.

Wilhite, an advertising and marketing veteran is former svp-global marketing at Nissan Motor Corporation. Prior to which he played a key role in Volkswagen of America's revitalization in the mid-1990s.

Cervantez could not be reached for comment.

Data sourced from AdAge (USA); additional content by WARC staff