Seoul: Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled a series of strategic executive appointments for 2024 aimed at enhancing the Group’s leadership and accelerating its transformation towards sustainable growth. The appointments reflect Hyundai’s commitment to strengthening its organizational foundations, optimizing business operations, and positioning itself for future competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain global market.
In a key promotion, Jaehoon Chang will take on the role of Vice Chair of the Hyundai Motor Group’s Automotive Division, effective January 1, 2025. Chang’s promotion comes as a result of his exceptional leadership as CEO of Hyundai Motor, where he drove record-breaking performance despite challenging global circumstances. Under his guidance, Hyundai launched significant initiatives such as the hydrogen program and the successful IPO of Hyundai Motor India Limited. In his new role, Chang will oversee the entire automotive value chain, from product planning to supply chain management, and will lead the Group’s efforts in securing cost and quality innovation to bolster long-term sustainability.
José Muñoz, a key figure in Hyundai’s North American operations, has been appointed as President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, effective January 1, 2025. Muñoz, who has been instrumental in setting record milestones for Hyundai in North America, will focus on advancing Hyundai’s global management framework, with an emphasis on delivering diverse powertrain offerings, including electric, hybrid, internal combustion, and hydrogen technologies. Muñoz’s appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the first non-Korean CEO of Hyundai Motor, further reinforcing the Group’s merit-based leadership philosophy and its commitment to global talent recruitment.
Sung Kim, an expert in East Asian and Korean Peninsula affairs, has been appointed as President of Hyundai Motor Company, effective January 1, 2025. Kim, a former U.S. State Department official with extensive experience in global diplomacy, will focus on managing Hyundai’s global external affairs, policy analysis, and communications strategy. His role will be crucial in enhancing the Group’s Think Tank capabilities, strengthening its external networking, and navigating complex geopolitical challenges.
Jun Young Choi has been promoted to President of Kia Corporation, following his success as Head of the Domestic Production Division. Choi has played a key role in driving Kia’s highest-ever performance, particularly in labor management and productivity improvements. His leadership also guided Kia Tigers to victory in the 2024 KBO League and Korean Series. Choi will now focus on further enhancing Kia’s manufacturing capabilities and ensuring the brand’s competitiveness in the future mobility landscape.
Kyoo Bok Lee, CEO of Hyundai Glovis, has been promoted to President in recognition of his contributions to enhancing the company’s financial stability and competitiveness, particularly through strategic investments and communication with stakeholders. Lee will continue his efforts in transforming Hyundai Glovis into a future-focused integrated logistics provider.
As part of the Group’s ongoing efforts to accelerate business transformation, Cheol Seung Baek has been appointed CEO of Hyundai Transys, while has been promoted to CEO of Hyundai KEFICO. Both Baek and Oh have significant experience in electrification and manufacturing technology, and will play pivotal roles in enhancing the Group’s operational capabilities and transitioning towards a sustainable future.
Hyundai Motor Group has also made changes in its construction and engineering sectors, promoting Hanwoo Lee to CEO of Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) and Woo Jeong Joo to CEO of Hyundai Engineering. Lee will focus on expanding Hyundai E&C’s global portfolio and leading strategic investments, while Joo will work to improve Hyundai Engineering’s business performance and competitiveness in the construction industry.
These appointments are part of Hyundai Motor Group’s broader strategy to enhance its global competitiveness by ensuring leadership is aligned with performance and the future needs of the business. The Group remains committed to promoting a performance-based culture and will continue to focus on leadership development and talent promotion through its annual executive appointments.
