• Appointments to accelerate transformation into a software-driven mobility group
  • Manfred Harrer promoted to President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group
  • Juncheul Jung promoted to President of Hyundai Motor Group to advance manufacturing competitiveness

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

• Manfred Harrer – Executive Vice President and Head of Vehicle Development Tech Unit at Hyundai Motor Group
• Juncheul Jung – Executive Vice President and Head of Manufacturing Area at Hyundai Motor Group
• Yeong Il Choi – Senior Vice President and Head of Manufacturing Engineering Center at Hyundai Motor Company
• Seung Kyu Yoon – Executive Vice President and Head of Kia North America
• Bo-Ryong Lee – Executive Vice President and Head of Production Division at Hyundai Steel
• Gang Hyun Seo – President and CEO of Hyundai Steel
• Chang Hyun Cho – Senior Vice President and CEO of Hyundai Card
• Si Woo Jeon – Senior Vice President and CEO of Hyundai Commercial
• Sungwon Jee – Senior Vice President and Head of Brand Marketing Division at Hyundai Motor Company

* Editor’s note: Appointment of all CEOs referenced are subject to approval by the relevant Group affiliate’s Board of Directors