SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group on Thursday carried out its regular executive reshuffle, promoting four senior executives to the rank of president.
Manfred Harrer was promoted to president and continues to serve as head of the research and development divisions at Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp.
Born in 1972, Harrer holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Munich University of Applied Sciences and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom.
Before joining Hyundai Motor Group last year, Harrer worked at Porsche AG, where he served as vice president overseeing chassis and advanced driver-assistance systems development. He later led vehicle integration for Apple Inc.’s electric vehicle development project.
Since joining the group, Harrer has led efforts to strengthen core vehicle performance as vice president in charge of vehicle development within the R&D division.
As R&D chief, Harrer is expected to work closely with software and related divisions to further enhance the group’s technological competitiveness, particularly in its push toward software-defined vehicles.
Jung Jun-cheol was promoted to president and named head of the manufacturing division at Hyundai Motor and Kia. He oversees the Manufacturing Solution Division, which is responsible for production technology, as well as the Purchasing Division, a key function for profitability and supply-chain management.
Hyundai Motor Group said Jung is expected to focus on building a software-centered production system and advancing next-generation manufacturing technologies, including robotics.
Yoon Seung-kyu was promoted to president and will serve as head of Kia America. He previously led the automaker’s sales operations in the United States and Canada.
The group credited Yoon with delivering more than 8 percent year-on-year growth in retail sales despite a challenging competitive environment, helping strengthen Kia’s position in the global market.
Lee Bo-ryong was promoted to president and named chief executive officer-designate of Hyundai Steel. With more than three decades of experience in the steel industry, Lee has held senior roles across production, R&D and business operations.
Lee’s engineering background and broad operational experience position him to enhance Hyundai Steel’s future competitiveness through the steady execution of large-scale strategic investments in facilities and technology, the company said.
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