Hyundai Motor Group has announced its annual executive reshuffle, focusing on promoting younger leaders to drive a generational shift. The Group aims to strengthen its foundations for future growth and address the ongoing transformation in mobility.
A total of 239 executives across Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, and Hyundai Mobis Co. have been promoted, particularly those in their 40s, who make up 41% of the total. This is a nearly twofold increase from the previous executive promotions in 2020.
The reshuffle recognizes key individuals contributing to the company’s record-breaking business performance this year. The executive shake-up also highlighted a strategic focus on critical areas such as finance and electrification, which are vital to the company’s efforts to secure next-generation growth and drive innovation in the face of an evolving global business landscape.
Lee Seung-jo, the current CFO and Chief Strategy Officer at Hyundai Motor, was promoted to executive vice president due to his successful financial management and strategic contributions, including achieving financial targets and developing Hyundai’s 2030 growth strategy.
Koo Za-yong, who leads Hyundai Motor’s investor relations, has been promoted to executive vice president in recognition of his efforts in enhancing the company’s credit ratings with major global agencies such as Fitch Ratings, Moody’s, and S&P Global. He also played a key role in the successful IPO of Hyundai Motor India earlier this year.
Hyundai Motor also highlighted the promotion of key executives in its electrification and robotics divisions. Kim Chang-hwan, head of Hyundai’s electrification energy solutions technology unit, and Han Dong-hee, who leads the electrified propulsion test center, were both elevated to executive vice presidents. Their leadership in developing battery and hydrogen technologies is vital for advancing the company’s electrification goals.
In addition, the Group has focused on expanding its research and development capabilities, with 64% of the newly appointed R&D executives in their 40s, to accelerate progress in key technologies such as robotics and hydrogen fuel cells.
The reshuffle also brought attention to younger leaders in design and technology. Song Hyun, who now heads Hyundai Motor’s interior design group, and Joo Si-Hyun, a former senior research engineer in the robot intelligence software team, were promoted to vice president.
At just 42 years old, they represent Hyundai’s goal of nurturing talent across all departments. As the company adapts to the rapidly changing automotive landscape, these promotions clearly signal Hyundai Motor Group’s focus on building leadership that can drive its transformation and innovation in the years ahead.
In addition to its emphasis on innovation, Hyundai Motor Group promoted diversity and inclusion by elevating 11 women to executive positions, up from just four last year. Notable promotions include Ryu Su-jin, head of Hyundai Card’s brand division, who was named senior vice president for her expertise in global branding.
The reshuffle also saw Kia appointing Kim Tae-hun as executive vice president of its global operations and Kim Seung-jun as CFO, recognizing their contributions to Kia’s performance.
