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Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
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Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
Corporate Information Hyundai Motor Group Announces 2025 Year-End Key Executive Appointments
SEOUL, December 18, 2025 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced executive appointments for 2026 to accelerate its transformation into a software-driven mobility group and strengthen its leadership in core technology and R&D.
This year’s appointments highlight strategic promotions of proven experts with specialized expertise across key business areas who have contributed to mitigating global uncertainties.
Accelerating Technological Innovation to Secure Future Competitiveness
Manfred Harrer is promoted to President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group, effective January 1st, 2026, to strengthen Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) competitiveness through close collaboration across software and related domains, driving next-generation development projects and accelerating the Group’s technology leadership.
Harrer, who joined Hyundai Motor Group in 2024, has spearheaded enhancements in core vehicle performance as Executive Vice President of Vehicle Development. Leveraging his deep technical expertise, Harrer has contributed significantly to establishing Hyundai Motor and Kia’s brand identity over this short period with the Group so far.
Juncheul Jung, Head of Manufacturing Area at Hyundai Motor Group, is promoted to President to further strengthen leadership in hardware manufacturing and accelerate the establishment of the Group’s Software-Defined Factory (SDF) approach, effective January 1st, 2026.
Jung currently oversees the Manufacturing Solutions Division – which is responsible for vehicle production technologies – as well as the Procurement Division, a core function for profitability and supply chain management. With this promotion, the Group expects to accelerate the development of software-driven future production systems and next-generation manufacturing capabilities, including robotics.
Yeong Il Choi is promoted to Executive Vice President and appointed as Head of Domestic Production and Chief Safety Officer (CSO), effective January 1st, 2026, to oversee Hyundai Motor’s production facilities in Korea. The Group expects Choi will further evolve its plants into technology-focused facilities and solidify its role and capabilities through flagship production centers.
Under the leadership of Chang Song, former Head of Advanced Vehicle Platform Division, the Group established its SDV development strategy and successfully internalized key technologies such as ‘Pleos Connect’ (in-vehicle infotainment) and ‘Atria AI’ (autonomous driving). The Group will proceed with SDV development initiatives as planned, targeting commercialization in the future.
Further Key Appointments
Seung Kyu Yoon, Head of Kia North America, is promoted to President in recognition of his outstanding contribution to strengthening Kia’s market leadership in the region. He delivered more than 8% retail sales growth year over year despite challenging market conditions, reinforcing Kia’s global presence. Yoon reports directly to Kia’s global President and CEO Ho Sung Song.
Bo-Ryong Lee, Head of Production Division at Hyundai Steel, is promoted to President and CEO of Hyundai Steel, bringing more than 30 years of expertise in engineering and steel operations. Lee is expected to drive strategic investments in advanced facilities and technologies to strengthen Hyundai Steel’s long-term competitiveness.
Gang Hyun Seo, current President and CEO of Hyundai Steel, is appointed as Head of Corporate Planning Office at Hyundai Motor Group for business optimization among its affiliates. Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, will continue to drive Group-wide synergy and agile execution. Chang oversees Hyundai and Kia’s overall direction, coordinating the advancement of the Group’s core future businesses — mobility, hydrogen energy, and robotics — while aiming to create seamless synergies across these sectors.
Hyundai Card CEO Chang Hyun Cho and Hyundai Commercial CEO Si Woo Jeon both are promoted to Executive Vice President in recognition of their proven capabilities in financial risk management and operational resilience.
Broad Next Generation Leadership
In total, 219 executives have been promoted across the Group, including four Presidents, 14 Executive Vice Presidents, 25 Senior Vice Presidents, and 176 new Vice Presidents.
Sungwon Jee, Head of Hyundai Brand Marketing Division, is promoted to Executive Vice President, having strengthened Hyundai’s global brand stature, reflected by brand value rankings in the global Top 30 for two consecutive years.
Technical expertise remains a Group priority: nearly 30% of promotions are in R&D and advanced technology, including Jeonghun Seo, Head of Battery Engineering Design Group, and Duckhwan Kim, Head of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Engineering Design, both recognized for their contributions to future strategic areas.
Yongseok Shin, Professor of Economics at Washington University in St. Louis, is appointed as Executive Vice President and Head of HMG Business Intelligence Institute as the Group continues to strengthen its think-tank capabilities. Shin, an economist specializing in macroeconomics and growth, will provide strategic insights to navigate complex global challenges.
The appointments are intended to strengthen organizational resilience and expand the leadership pipeline across functions. In addition, the appointments reflect the Group’s commitment to turning global uncertainties into opportunities for renewal and growth. It will continue to advance bold leadership transformation and secure strong competitiveness in the SDV era.
Current Executive Positions
Dain Kang
di@hyundai.com
Global PR Strategy & Planning · Hyundai Motor Company
Disclaimer: Hyundai Motor Group believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at:
http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai , Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com) , Genesis Global Newsroom
