Hyundai Motor Group promoted four executives to presidents in its year-end reshuffle, focusing on bolstering research and development, manufacturing, and overseas sales. The moves aim to accelerate the group's transition to software-defined vehicles. The position of the advanced vehicle platform chief remains vacant following a recent resignation amid delays in autonomous driving.
Hyundai Motor Group announced the promotion of four executives to presidents on December 18, 2025, as part of its year-end management reshuffle. The appointments underscore a strategic emphasis on enhancing research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities to propel the group toward becoming a leading software-defined vehicle (SDV) maker.
Manfred Harrer, who joined Hyundai Motor in 2024 as executive vice president, has been elevated to president and head of R&D. His contributions to improving overall vehicle performance were highlighted by the group. A Hyundai official stated, “The new R&D chief will enhance Hyundai Motor Group’s technological competitiveness for its successful transformation into an SDV maker.”
The reshuffle left the advanced vehicle platform division vacant after former President Song Chang-hyun stepped down on December 5, reportedly due to delays in the company's autonomous driving progress.
On the manufacturing side, Jung Jun-cheul, previously executive vice president overseeing manufacturing solutions and purchasing, was promoted to president. He will lead efforts to reshape next-generation software-driven production systems and expand the group's robotics initiatives for stable supply chain management.
Yoon Seung-kyu, who headed Kia's North American operations, was appointed president in recognition of his sales expertise. Despite intensifying market competition, he drove over 8 percent year-on-year growth in Kia's retail sales in the region this year.
At Hyundai Steel, Lee Bo-ryong, head of the production division, became the new president. Noted for his engineering background and business management skills, he is expected to drive timely strategic investments in facilities and technologies to boost global competitiveness.
Outgoing Hyundai Steel CEO Seo Gang-hyun will transition to the group's planning and coordination division. As a finance expert and former chief financial officer at Hyundai Motor, he will mediate to optimize synergies among key affiliates.
These changes reflect Hyundai's commitment to innovation amid the shift to SDVs, balancing technological advancement with operational stability.
