Jose Munoz, chief of Hyundai Motor America and the firm's new global chief operating officer/Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

Munoz appointed as global chief operating officer

Hyundai Motor has named Jose Munoz as its global chief operating officer (COO), who will oversee international operations strategies of the automaker, the company said on April 19.

Hyundai Motor strives to take advantage of the new COO’s rich experience in the automotive business so as to deliver profitable growth and to improve overall performance.

Munoz was also appointed as CEO of Hyundai Motor America. He will be responsible for the entire American market.

The Seoul-based automaker struggled over the past few years due to worsening bottom lines. In particular, it faltered in the world’s two largest markets of China and the United States.

“Jose Munoz has an impressive track record and is proven to be a visionary and motivational leader who is adept at all aspects of our business,” Hyundai President Lee Won-hee said.

“His decades of automotive and technology experience make him well suited for this new role as we move the company to the next step. We are looking forward to Mr. Munoz joining the team, and will lean on his leadership skills and vision to achieve long-term sustainable growth and evolve into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider.”

Munoz, who will start next month based in California, said that he will help the firm achieve operational excellence.

“I am excited to join Hyundai Motor at this vital time in history. My capabilities around delivering steady profitable growth, managing the entire supply chain, and working together with our dealer partners to find win-win solutions match up well with the opportunity here,” he said.

“I am eager to bring best global practices from the automobile and technology industries to my new role as COO of Hyundai Motor Company and am honored to join this esteemed corporation.”

Munoz started his career in the automotive industry as a dealer for Peugeot-Citroen in 1989. He also worked for Toyota Motor and Daewoo Motors, the Korean outfit that was sold to General Motors in 2001.

Most recently, the 53-year-old worked for Nissan Motor as chairman of Nissan China. He got aboard the carmaker in 2004 and took over significant roles during the past 15 years.

The native of Spain got his Ph.D. from Polytechnic University of Madrid and also has an MBA from Instituto de Empresa Business School in the city.

 

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