Hyundai appoints new executives to strengthen top-tier management positions

Hyundai Motor Group Announces Major Executive Reshuffle

In a move aimed at positioning the business for future growth and navigating uncertainties in the global business environment, Hyundai Motor Group has announced a significant reshuffle of its executive team. The promotions, which affect a total of 239 executives throughout the company, were announced on December 10.

At the forefront of this reshuffle is Chang Hwan Kim, who has been promoted to EVP and will now head the Hyundai Motor Group's electrification energy solutions tech unit. Kim's appointment comes as the automotive industry increasingly focuses on electrification and sustainable energy solutions.

Meanwhile, Jaehoon Chang has been promoted to vice chair of Hyundai Motor Group - Automotive Division, effective January 1. Chang's role will be crucial in steering the automotive division through the challenging times ahead.

In another significant move, José Muñoz has been named as Chang's successor, also effective January 1. Munoz's promotion to vice chair will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the table.

Tae Hun Lee has also been promoted, this time to EVP of Kia Corp.'s global operations division. Lee, who previously worked as team lead at Hyundai Commercial, will play a key role in Kia's global operations.

The promotions extend to Hyundai Motor Co. as well, where Seung Jo Lee has been promoted to EVP and will oversee the electrified propulsion test center. Seung Jun Kim, on the other hand, has been promoted to SVP and appointed CFO of Kia Corp.

The executives selected for promotions delivered exceptional results, according to the company. This includes Sihyun Joo, who has been promoted to vice president and will lead the robotics intelligence software team at Hyundai's research and development. Mu Shin Kwak, too, has been promoted to vice president and will head the eP project group at Hyundai's research and development.

Kookil Han has been promoted to vice president and will lead the hydrogen and fuel cell engineering design group 2 at Hyundai's research and development. Zayong Koo, previously head of investor relations at Hyundai Motor Co., has also been promoted to EVP.

Hyundai Motor Co.'s Sujin Ryu has been promoted to SVP, having previously headed the brand division at Hyundai Card.

Despite a slight dip in Q3 vehicle sales in key markets such as Europe, Hyundai has reported a 10.9% year-over-year increase in hybrid sales in the U.S. The company also reported Q3 revenues of 42.93 trillion won ($31 billion), a 4.7% year-over-year increase.

As Hyundai looks to its new leaders to maintain its momentum in a cooling global sales environment, the company believes that these promotions will provide the necessary impetus for continued growth and innovation. The new appointments are expected to take effect on January 1, 2026.