Hyundai Names Jose Muñoz As New CEO

Leading Korean automaker Hyundai sees a shift at its top-tier management as it names a new CEO.

Korean automaker Hyundai announced recently that beginning Jan 1, 2025, it welcomes Jose Muñoz as its new CEO. He succeeds Jaehoon Chang following his promotion to the Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group’s automotive division.

Originally a native of Spain, the 59-year-old exec holds status as a US citizen. He also holds a Ph.D in nuclear engineering from Polytechnic University of Madrid and earned an Executive MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain.

The recent appointment sees Muñoz become the first non-Korean person to helm the role of CEO at Hyundai. Prior to which, he also served as Chief Performance Officer for Nissan Motor Corporation and Chairman of Nissan China and North America – a stint that lasted for 15 years.

He first joined Hyundai in 2019 and served as the CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. He was also billed for Hyundai’s product portfolio growth in North America through models like the Ioniq 5.

Effective Jan 1, 2025, 59-year-old Jose Muñoz (pictured) succeeds Jaehoong Chag as the H-marque's CEO. He will become the first non-Korean to helm said role too.

Besides which, Muñoz is also credited for Hyundai’s US$12.6 billion (approx. RM56.36 billion) investment efforts towards establishing a new “Metaplant” and two new joint battery ventures in Georgia state.

"Jose is a proven leader with vast global experience and is ideally suited to lead Hyundai as competitiveness and business uncertainty increases,” said Jaehoon Chang about his successor Muñoz.

Following this promotion, Muñoz is reportedly set to conclude his stint at CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America with the upcoming debut of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 EV SUV at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show later this week.

“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,” said the native Spaniard following the announcement of his new appointment as brand CEO.