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Hyundai Motor Company has named José Muñoz as the company’s new President and CEO, effective January 1, 2025. Muñoz, who has been with Hyundai since 2019, will succeed Jaehoon Chang, who will transition to the role of Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group—Automotive Division. Muñoz will be responsible for leading Hyundai’s global business and continuing to drive the company’s commitment to next-generation mobility.
Key Highlights:
- Customer-Centric Vision: Muñoz will lead the company under the vision of “Progress for Humanity,” emphasizing electrification, diversified powertrains, and hydrogen technology.
- Strengthening Global Presence: Will focus on enhancing Hyundai’s global management system and market position.
- Track Record: Muñoz’s tenure since 2019 includes leading Hyundai and Genesis in North America, contributing to record sales and profitability growth.
- Future Investments: Under his leadership, Hyundai is investing $12.6 billion in new production facilities and joint ventures in Georgia.
Muñoz first joined Hyundai as President and Global Chief Operating Officer in 2019 and led Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. He later took on expanded responsibilities for regions including Europe, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. During his time, he implemented a profitability-focused sales strategy that contributed significantly to Hyundai’s position among the top three automotive companies globally by sales.
He has also been instrumental in enhancing Hyundai’s operational performance, expanding its dealership networks, and strengthening its global competitiveness by attracting top leadership talent. Muñoz spearheaded a $12.6 billion investment into Hyundai’s Metaplant America production facility and battery joint ventures in Georgia—an ambitious move that will bolster Hyundai’s capabilities in the North American market.
Jaehoon Chang, the outgoing CEO, praised Muñoz, saying, “José is a proven leader with vast global experience and is ideally suited to lead Hyundai as competitiveness and business uncertainty increases. As recently outlined at our CEO Investor Day, we have a clear Hyundai Way vision to create a future centered on mobility and energy. Together with José and the rest of our leadership team, the future is very bright for Hyundai.”
Muñoz expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “It’s an honor to serve Hyundai, our employees, customers, dealers, and other stakeholders in this new role. Thank you to our Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang for your trust. Succeeding in this challenging industry requires excellence throughout the value chain, from design and engineering to manufacturing, sales, and service, along with a talented team that’s able to deliver every step of the way. I’m excited and motivated by the challenge ahead and want to continue Hyundai’s growth trajectory and laser-focus on exceeding customer expectations. It truly is a great time to be with Hyundai.”
Before joining Hyundai, Muñoz served as Chief Performance Officer for Nissan Motor Corporation and Chairman of Nissan China and North America. Throughout his 15-year tenure, he achieved substantial profit growth and record sales while holding multiple leadership roles at Toyota Motor Europe. Muñoz, 59, holds a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from Polytechnic University of Madrid and an Executive MBA from IE Business School, Madrid. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and French.
About Hyundai Motor Company
Founded in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is a leading force in the automotive industry, with a presence in over 200 countries and a workforce of more than 120,000 employees. With a commitment to “Progress for Humanity,” Hyundai is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider, investing heavily in advanced technologies such as robotics, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and open innovation to pioneer future mobility services. Hyundai remains committed to sustainability, focusing on zero-emission vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies.
More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/
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