In a historic move, Hyundai Motor Group has appointed Jose Munoz, its current Global Chief Operating Officer (COO), as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hyundai Motor Co., effective January 1, 2025. Munoz, originally from Spain and now a U.S. citizen, becomes the first non-Korean to hold the top position at the South Korean automaker.
Since joining Hyundai in 2019, Munoz has served as President and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Co. and President of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. He has been instrumental in bolstering the company’s North American presence, implementing profitability-focused sales strategies, and optimizing dealer operations.
“Through strengthening dealer competitiveness and profitability-focused management, Munoz has achieved record-breaking performance milestones for Hyundai in North America,” the company said in a statement. Hyundai Motor Group praised Munoz for his merit-driven leadership style and his commitment to recruiting global talent.
“I am honored to take on this role and continue Hyundai’s growth trajectory,” said Munoz. “I look forward to enhancing customer satisfaction and further elevating Hyundai as a leading global brand.”
Chang Jae-hoon Promoted to Vice Chair
Current Hyundai Motor Co. CEO Chang Jae-hoon will transition to the role of Vice Chair, overseeing the automotive division of Hyundai Motor Group. Since 2020, Chang has led Hyundai through a period of record-breaking performance, despite global economic challenges.
Chang is credited with advancing key initiatives, including Hyundai’s push into hydrogen technology and the successful IPO of Hyundai Motor India Limited. In his new role, Chang will focus on optimizing operations across the entire automotive value chain, ensuring long-term competitiveness, and driving cost and quality innovations.
Sung Kim to Lead Global External Affairs
Former U.S. diplomat Sung Kim, who joined Hyundai earlier this year as an adviser, has been named President of Hyundai Motor Co. Kim will oversee global external relations, including policy analysis, public relations, and communications. His expertise in East Asian and Korean geopolitical issues will be leveraged to navigate the evolving international business landscape.
“Kim will focus on enhancing Hyundai’s think tank capabilities and global intelligence functions, while advancing networking and protocol strategies,” the company noted.
Additional Leadership Changes Across Hyundai’s Ecosystem
The company also announced several other executive appointments:
- Choi Jun-young (Kia) and Lee Kyoo-bok (Hyundai Glovis) were promoted to Presidents.
- Baek Cheol-seung, Executive Vice President at Hyundai Transys, has been named CEO of the division.
- Oh Joon-dong, head of Kia’s electrification manufacturing engineering center, will serve as CEO of Hyundai Kefico.
- Lee Han-woo, Senior Vice President at Hyundai E&C, will lead Hyundai Engineering & Construction as CEO.
- Joo Woo-jeong, CFO of Kia, will take over as CEO of Hyundai Engineering.
Strategic Leadership to Navigate Industry Challenges
Hyundai Motor Group emphasized that the appointments align with its mission to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. From spearheading advancements in electrification to addressing geopolitical challenges, the newly appointed leaders are expected to drive innovation and sustainable growth.
“Success in today’s automotive industry requires excellence across design, engineering, manufacturing, and service,” Munoz stated. “I am committed to steering Hyundai toward even greater achievements globally.”
With these sweeping changes, Hyundai Motor Group is poised to strengthen its global stature and continue its rise as one of the world’s top automakers.
