Hyundai has announced that Jose Munoz will be taking over as the next president and CEO of the company, starting on January 1. Munoz, who currently serves as the global chief operating officer of Hyundai and the president and CEO of its North American operations, will be succeeding Jaehoon Chang, who is moving up to the role of vice chair of Hyundai Motor – Automotive Division.
Chang expressed his confidence in Munoz, stating that he is a proven leader with extensive global experience and is well-equipped to lead Hyundai during a time of increasing competitiveness and business uncertainty. Munoz, who hails from Spain and is a U.S. citizen, will be the first non-Korean CEO of Hyundai.
During his time leading Hyundai’s North American operations, Munoz has overseen significant growth in sales, with a 16% increase since 2019, resulting in approximately 801,200 vehicles sold last year. The company has also received numerous awards and accolades for its products under his leadership.
In addition to the growth in sales, Hyundai has expanded its U.S. operations, with plans to invest $12.6 billion in a new production facility and two battery joint ventures in Georgia. Munoz emphasized the importance of excellence throughout the value chain, from design and engineering to manufacturing, sales, and service, as well as the dedication of a talented team to deliver at every step.
Looking ahead, Munoz expressed his excitement and motivation for the challenges that lie ahead, stating that he is committed to continuing Hyundai’s growth trajectory and focus on exceeding customer expectations. The company has not yet named a successor for Munoz, but with his track record of success, Hyundai is optimistic about the future under his leadership.
