Unusual November Personnel... Continuing the 'Ability-Centered' Policy
Launch of GSO Shows Commitment to Future Mobility Business Focus
[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Hyundai Motor Group conducted an executive reshuffle on the 30th. Hyundai Motor, which had announced personnel changes the latest among the four major conglomerates, took the initiative this year by announcing the changes earlier. Industry experts view this as a move focused on organizational stability aimed at strengthening crisis management capabilities in preparation for uncertainties in the business environment.
Hyundai Motor Group announced the executive reshuffle including two promotions to president and CEO and three retirements. Considering the significant changes made since Chairman Chung Euisun's inauguration, the scale of this year's reshuffle was somewhat smaller compared to previous years.
Another notable feature of this year's reshuffle is the separation of president and executive personnel changes. It is unprecedented for Hyundai Motor Group to announce president-level personnel changes in November. Traditionally, Hyundai Motor Group has conducted executive reshuffles in the latter half of December, the latest among the four major conglomerates.
However, this time, the announcement was made earlier than Samsung and SK. The industry views this as a proactive measure considering the uncertain economic outlook for next year.
In this year's president-level reshuffle, Hyundai Motor Group's consistent 'merit-based' personnel policy was maintained.
A representative example is the promotion of Chief Creative Officer (CCO) Luke Dongkervolke to president and the appointment of Executive Vice President Lee Gyubok of Hyundai Motor's Process Innovation Division as the new CEO of Hyundai Glovis.
President Dongkervolke became the fourth foreign president in Hyundai Motor Group through this reshuffle. Previously, Peter Schreyer (Advisor), Albert Biermann (former Head of R&D), and Jose Munoz (President of the Americas) held president positions.
President Dongkervolke is credited with playing a key role in establishing Hyundai Motor Group's premium image. Furthermore, his promotion is expected to further strengthen design management, which has been emphasized under Chairman Chung's leadership.
The appointment of Executive Vice President Lee Gyubok as the CEO of Hyundai Glovis also draws attention. The new CEO has experience leading process innovation for the group's future businesses. Currently, Hyundai Glovis is pursuing various future businesses such as hydrogen, smart logistics, and robotics in addition to its core automobile transportation business, making Lee a suitable choice for the position.
In addition, Hyundai Motor Group plans to establish the 'Global Strategy Office' (GSO), a control tower for future mobility.
The purpose is to systematically promote future mobility businesses such as autonomous driving and urban air mobility (UAM) by integrating related functions scattered across various business divisions into one office. The personnel and detailed roles of each GSO division will be decided in December, making the appointment of its head a point of interest.
Meanwhile, President Gong Youngwoon, in charge of strategic planning, President Ji Youngjo, in charge of innovation, and Hyundai Glovis CEO Kim Junghoon will step down from frontline roles and take on advisory positions.
A Hyundai Motor Group official stated, “This reshuffle is a proactive president and CEO personnel change to prepare for the new year's management plans and a stable management environment. Through the regular executive reshuffle scheduled for December, Hyundai Motor Group will continue merit-based personnel renewal to prepare for the future.”
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