Hyundai Motor Group Makes High-Level Executive Appointments
Hyundai Motor Group has made new appointments to enhance the sustainability and growth of future mobility. Jaehoon Chang will take on the role of "Vice President of the Automotive Division of Hyundai Motor Group" to advance innovation in the automotive value chain. Jose Munoz has been appointed as the CEO of Hyundai Motor Company to expand global operations and strengthen sustainable competitiveness. Sung Kim has been designated as the President of Hyundai Motor Company for strategic advancement and global economic management.
Recently, Hyundai Motor Group announced a new roadmap aimed at strengthening sustainable growth and resilience against competition and challenges in the global business landscape, naming it the "Hyundai Way." As part of this initiative, Hyundai has also announced senior executive appointments today.
The new appointments are intended to enhance the group's performance and future competitiveness while also highlighting the strong experience and competency of individuals in key positions. Hyundai will begin these appointments with Jaehoon Chang, who will be promoted to Vice President of the Automotive Division of Hyundai Motor Group starting January 1, 2025. Chang, who has driven mobility innovation and will further enhance the group's competitiveness, was last promoted to CEO in 2020 and achieved record performance despite increasing geopolitical risks and challenges such as changes in products and technologies, as well as the pandemic. Chang is also known for spearheading hydrogen initiatives.
Contributing to the long-term competitiveness of the brand with achievements like the public offering of Hyundai Motor India Limited, Chang will oversee the entire value chain, including product planning, supply chain management, production, and quality evaluation. He will establish fundamental systems for cost and quality innovation to maintain future competitiveness while optimizing business operations across the automotive sector.
José Muñoz will start from January 1, 2025, enhancing globally customer-focused mobility innovation by developing various powertrains, including electric, hybrid, ICE, and hydrogen technologies. Appointed as President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, he will also be responsible for strengthening dealer competitiveness and profitability. Munoz, who has shown record performance in North America, is noted as the first non-Korean CEO of Hyundai. He joined Hyundai Motor Company in 2019 as President and Global Operations Director, as well as President and CEO of Hyundai & Genesis North America.
Sung Kim will begin his new role as President of Hyundai Motor Company on January 1, 2025, ensuring effective management of the brand. As a strategically leading expert in the Americas, East Asia, and Korea, Sung Kim has held significant roles in various U.S. administrations, including those of Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden. After retiring from the U.S. Department of State, he joined Hyundai Motor Group as a consultant in January 2024, enhancing Hyundai's global trade, policy strategies, and effectiveness in foreign relations. Kim will be responsible for developing the brand's strategic initiatives and addressing various geopolitical challenges while overseeing global foreign affairs. He will also lead communication and public relations efforts by analyzing local and international policy trends.
To maintain superior performance and long-term competitiveness, Jun Young Choi has been promoted as President of Kia, while Kyoo Bok Lee has been appointed as President of Hyundai Glovis. Cheol Seung Baek is assigned as CEO of Hyundai Transys, Joon Dong Oh will head Hyundai KEFICO, Hanwoo Lee takes the helm at Hyundai E&C, and Woo Jeong Joo will lead Hyundai Engineering.
These appointments, which signal a new management philosophy and top global initiatives, are viewed as highly ideal for further enhancing the brand's performance.