Hyundai Motor Co. is turning to nine new executive leaders to drive success as it prepares for “uncertainties in the global economic environment,” the company said. announced the automaker Thursday.
The company’s leadership changes reflect the company’s performance-based approach – placing executives with proven experience in impactful roles – and include key positions at the top of Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp., as well as several other divisions corporate.
The new executive appointments include:
- Jaehoon Chang was promoted to vice president of Hyundai Motor Group – Automotive Division. He is currently president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Co. His appointment will be effective January 1.
Chang, who has been CEO of Hyundai Motor Co. since 2020, is credited with leading the company to record performance despite uncertain economic environments such as the pandemic and technological change. The automaker said its leadership has driven aggressive business strategies, agile market responses and profitability.
Chang will oversee product planning, supply chain management, manufacturing and quality assessment business operations in the automotive industry.
- José Muñoz has been promoted to president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Co, effective Jan. 1.
Succeeding Chang as president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Co., Muñoz’s role will be to advance the company’s global management framework and drive growth in electric, hybrid, gas-powered and hydrogen technologies.
Muñoz joined Hyundai Motor Company in 2019 as global president and chief operating officer and president and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America.
- Sung Kim has been named president of Hyundai Motor Co, effective January 1. He is currently an advisor to Hyundai Motor Group.
Hyundai described Kim as “one of the leading experts on East Asian and Korean Peninsula affairs in the United States.” He was a longtime U.S. presidential advisor and joined Hyundai Motor Group as an advisor in January, following his retirement from the State Department.
- Jun Young Choi was promoted to president of Kia Corp. He previously served as EVP, head of domestic manufacturing division and chief safety officer at Kia Corp.
Hyundai said Choi was instrumental in securing Kia’s highest-ever performance as head of domestic manufacturing and led Korea’s AutoLand Gwangmyeong’s transition to electric vehicle production.
The automaker is also strengthening other aspects of its operations, including finance, engineering and advancing the transition to electrification with the following executive appointments and promotions:
- Kyoo Bok Leepresident and CEO of Hyundai Glovis, has been promoted to president of Hyundai Glovis.
- Cheol Seung BaekEVP and chief business development officer, has been named CEO of Hyundai Transys.
- Joon Dong Ohvice president and head of Kia’s electrification manufacturing engineering center has been named CEO of Hyundai KEFICO.
- Hanwoo Leesenior vice president and head of construction division of Hyundai E&C, has been named CEO of Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co.
- Woo Jeong JooKia’s EVP, CFO and head of finance and accounting has been named CEO of Hyundai Engineering Co.
“By consolidating the Group’s core competencies and strategically positioning proven leaders with verified track records in key positions, the Group aims to strengthen the organizational foundations and accelerate our future transformation,” the announcement reads.