Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled a series of strategic executive appointments for 2026, aimed at accelerating its transformation into a software-driven mobility leader and reinforcing its leadership in core technology and R&D. The appointments highlight the Group’s focus on cultivating specialized expertise and strengthening organizational resilience amid global uncertainties.
Accelerating Market Leadership and Innovation
Seung Kyu Yoon, Head of Kia North America, has been promoted to President in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Kia’s market growth. Under Yoon’s leadership, Kia achieved over 8% retail sales growth year-over-year despite challenging market conditions, reinforcing its global presence. Yoon will continue to report directly to Kia’s global President and CEO Ho Sung Song.
Manfred Harrer has been promoted to President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group, effective January 1, 2026. Harrer, who joined the Group in 2024, has driven key vehicle development initiatives and will now spearhead Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) competitiveness, overseeing next-generation technology projects and advancing the Group’s leadership in automotive software and innovation.
Juncheul Jung, Head of Manufacturing Area, has been promoted to President to strengthen hardware manufacturing capabilities and accelerate the Group’s Software-Defined Factory (SDF) approach. Jung currently oversees vehicle production technologies and procurement operations, positioning Hyundai to advance software-driven production systems, robotics integration, and next-generation manufacturing efficiency.
Yeong Il Choi is promoted to Executive Vice President and appointed Head of Domestic Production and Chief Safety Officer (CSO), effective January 1, 2026. Choi will oversee Hyundai Motor’s production facilities in Korea, evolving plants into technology-focused, high-performance production centers.
Under Chang Song’s leadership, Hyundai Motor Group has successfully established its SDV development strategy, integrating key technologies such as Pleos Connect for in-vehicle infotainment and Atria AI for autonomous driving. The Group continues to target the commercialization of SDV technology in the near future.
Key Leadership Appointments Across the Group
- Bo-Ryong Lee: Promoted to President and CEO of Hyundai Steel, bringing over 30 years of expertise to drive strategic investments in advanced facilities and technologies.
- Gang Hyun Seo: Appointed Head of Corporate Planning Office at Hyundai Motor Group to optimize affiliate business performance.
- Chang Hyun Cho (Hyundai Card) and Si Woo Jeon (Hyundai Commercial): Promoted to Executive Vice Presidents for proven capabilities in financial risk management and operational resilience.
Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang will continue guiding the Group’s overarching strategy, focusing on mobility, hydrogen energy, and robotics while creating synergies across core business sectors.
Broad Next-Generation Leadership Development
In total, Hyundai Motor Group promoted 219 executives, including four Presidents, 14 Executive Vice Presidents, 25 Senior Vice Presidents, and 176 Vice Presidents. Notably, nearly 30% of promotions are in R&D and advanced technology, highlighting the Group’s commitment to technical excellence.
Key promotions include:
- Sungwon Jee, Executive Vice President, Head of Hyundai Brand Marketing Division, recognized for elevating Hyundai’s global brand value into the Top 30 worldwide for two consecutive years.
- Jeonghun Seo, Head of Battery Engineering Design Group, and Duckhwan Kim, Head of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Engineering Design, acknowledged for contributions in strategic future mobility areas.
- Yongseok Shin, Professor of Economics at Washington University, appointed Executive Vice President and Head of the HMG Business Intelligence Institute, providing critical insights on global economic and market challenges.
Strengthening the Group’s Competitive Edge
These appointments are designed to:
- Enhance organizational resilience.
- Expand leadership pipelines across business functions.
- Transform global uncertainties into opportunities for growth.
Hyundai Motor Group continues to accelerate bold leadership transformations and secure strong competitiveness in the Software-Defined Vehicle era, ensuring its position as a global mobility and technology leader.
Current Executive Positions
- Seung Kyu Yoon – Executive Vice President, Head of Kia North America
- Manfred Harrer – Executive Vice President, Head of Vehicle Development Tech Unit
- Juncheul Jung – Executive Vice President, Head of Manufacturing Area
- Yeong Il Choi – Senior Vice President, Head of Manufacturing Engineering Center
- Bo-Ryong Lee – Executive Vice President, Head of Production Division, Hyundai Steel
- Gang Hyun Seo – President and CEO, Hyundai Steel
- Chang Hyun Cho – Senior Vice President, CEO, Hyundai Card
- Si Woo Jeon – Senior Vice President, CEO, Hyundai Commercial
- Sungwon Jee – Senior Vice President, Head of Brand Marketing Division
