[New Year's Address] HD Hyundai Chairman Jeong Gi-seon: "Communication Culture Is Our Competitive Edge"... Breaks Tradition with Open Kick-off Ceremony

Employee-Driven "Opening 2026" Event, Not Just for Executives
Chairman Jeong Listens to Questions, Takes Notes, and Responds Directly
"Open Communication Makes the Company's Direction Clearer"

Jeong Gi-seon, Chairman of HD Hyundai, emphasized a "communication culture" as the company's core competitive edge in his 2026 New Year's address. He made it clear that he intends to transform the organizational culture through direct conversations with employees rather than through formal message delivery.

On January 5, HD Hyundai announced that it held "Opening 2026" at its Global Research and Development (R&D) Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, with about 300 participants, including employees born in the Year of the Horse and other staff who wished to attend. Unlike previous New Year's kick-off ceremonies, which were centered around group executives, this event was designed as an open gathering with direct participation from employees.

Jeong Gi-seon, Chairman of HD Hyundai, is speaking at the 'Opening 2026' event held on the 5th at the Global Research and Development (R&D) Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. HD Hyundai

The event began with Chairman Jeong's New Year's greetings, followed by an "Empathy Talk" where employees shared their hopes, and then a video message for the New Year delivered by employees. Chairman Jeong focused on communication by listening attentively to employees' remarks, taking notes, and responding directly to their questions.

When asked about the greatest achievements of 2025, Chairman Jeong highlighted that while the company continued to invest in the future-such as next-generation CAD (Computer-Aided Design), small modular reactors (SMR), and the launch of new construction equipment models-it also steadfastly pushed forward with proactive business structure reforms centered on shipbuilding, construction equipment, and energy businesses. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries recently merged with HD Hyundai Mipo, and HD Construction Equipment was launched by integrating the former HD Hyundai Infracore and HD Hyundai Construction Equipment. In Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, HD Hyundai Oilbank applied for a restructuring of general-purpose facility structures in partnership with Lotte Chemical.

On the 5th, attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the 'Opening 2026' held at the HD Hyundai Global Research and Development (R&D) Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. HD Hyundai

In response to questions about practices and organizational culture that need improvement, he said, "It is important to have a way of working where problems can be raised freely when warning signs are detected in the organization," adding, "A communication culture is a key factor that determines a company's competitiveness." Chairman Jeong also stated, "The honest opinions of our employees make the company's direction clearer and stronger," and added, "We will continue to create opportunities where everyone can freely share their views."

Since taking office in October last year, Chairman Jeong has continued field-oriented communication by dining with employees in the company cafeteria to hear their opinions firsthand, and by personally visiting sites such as the HD Hyundai Electric Power Distribution Campus and energy and construction equipment business locations. His participation in "Hi Five Day," an event for sharing ideas to improve corporate culture, is seen in the same context.