Richard Parks Hyundai Motor Company has appointed José Muñoz as its new co-CEO and president, making him the first foreigner to hold the position at the South Korean automaker. The appointment, effective January 1, 2025, sees Muñoz taking over from Jaehoon Chang, who has been promoted to vice chair of Hyundai Motor Group. Muñoz will work alongside Euisun Chung and Lee Dong-seok as co-CEOs and will be primarily responsible for expanding Hyundai’s presence in the Americas and enhancing the company’s global strategy.
Muñoz, who has been with Hyundai since 2019, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the global chief operating officer and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. His leadership has been instrumental in driving the brands to record sales and improved performance, particularly in the North American market. In his new role, Muñoz will continue to focus on expanding Hyundai’s reach while also prioritizing advancements in next-generation mobility, including electrification, hydrogen technology, and sustainable solutions.
This leadership change comes at a time of increasing uncertainty in the global automotive industry, with rising costs, changing political dynamics, and growing competition in the electric vehicle sector. Hyundai’s leadership believes Muñoz’s experience and expertise will help the company navigate these challenges and bolster its global competitiveness. With the re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. President, the company anticipates that Muñoz will be able to steer Hyundai through shifting economic and political landscapes.
Muñoz expressed enthusiasm for his new role, emphasizing the importance of delivering excellence across every aspect of Hyundai’s operations, from design to customer service. He also highlighted his focus on driving Hyundai’s growth and exceeding customer expectations in an increasingly competitive automotive market. As Hyundai continues its push for global expansion and innovation in mobility solutions, Muñoz’s leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping the company’s future trajectory.