Welcome to the latest installment of the Korea Society's Leadership Interview Series featuring José Muñoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, who also serves as the President and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. President Muñoz is one of the most influential leaders in the auto industry.

President Muñoz will look back at the roots of Hyundai Motor's remarkable story, discuss current developments, and provide insights into the future of the auto industry in the United States. He will also delve into the impacts of IRA and trade tensions on Hyundai's global business, its strategy to become one of the world's top EV manufacturers, and much more. Join us for this special opportunity to hear first-hand about his path to becoming a top executive at Hyundai and how he navigates the rapidly evolving industry landscape.

This program was recorded on August 22 at Hyundai Motor America in Fountain Valley, CA.

Interview with President and Global Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor Company, José Muñoz

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 | 6:00 PM (EDT)

The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

José Muñoz is the president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Company and the president and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. In this capacity, Muñoz is responsible for driving greater performance in key strategic regions, including Europe, India and the Middle East and Africa. This includes leading global talent acquisition & management to recruit and retain core talent in new technology-based businesses. Muñoz is also responsible for global sales, service and product planning as part of the Global Business Operations Division.

Based in Hyundai’s U.S. headquarters in Fountain Valley, California, Muñoz also oversees the entire American market, including Hyundai Motor North, Central and South America, as the head of the Hyundai Motor Americas Region. Prior to joining Hyundai, Muñoz was most recently the Chief Performance Officer for Nissan Motor Corporation and the Chairman of Nissan China. He joined Nissan in 2004 and during his 15 years at the automaker led significant growth and record sales in the regions he managed.

Muñoz is a native of Spain and earned his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from Polytechnic University of Madrid and has an MBA from Instituto de Empresa (IE) Business School in Madrid. He has also completed executive management programs from Cranfield School of Management in the U.K. and INSEAD Business School in France. He is fluent in English, Spanish and French.

Career Highlights

2018 - 2019: Chief Performance Officer and Chairman China, Nissan
2016 - 2018: Chief Performance Officer and Chairman North America, Nissan
2014 - 2016: EVP, Chairman of Management Committee, North America, Nissan
2004 - 2014: General Manager Nissan Europe, Managing Director Nissan Motor Iberia, President Nissan Mexico, Nissan
1999 - 2004: After Sales and Dealer Network Development Management roles, Toyota Motor Marketing Europe
1996 - 1999: Network Development Director, Daewoo Motor Iberia
1989 - 1996 : Dealer, Citroën