Hyundai Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hyundai has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, strategy, regional management, finance, medical oversight, legal compliance, and human resources.

Focused on global automotive excellence, Hyundai delivers innovative mobility solutions through a diverse portfolio of passenger and commercial vehicles while maintaining a commitment to sustainable manufacturing standards.

Leadership Roles at Hyundai

  • President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) - Don Romano
  • Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America) - Airton Cousseau
  • Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A. - Ernesto Cavicchioli
  • Chief Financial Officer, Finance Accounting & Business & IT Administrator - Hongshik Chin
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kanghyn Lee
  • Chief Operating Officer, International Business - Byung Rhim
  • CoS (Chief of Staff) - Andrei Trevizan
  • Chief Medical Officer - Kumaran Thanigaimani
  • Manager, Chief People Officer and Remarketing - Charles Plewes
  • Chief Legal & Compliance Officer - Jason Erb
  • Don Romano - President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific)

    Don Romano, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) at Hyundai, directs all commercial activities and market expansion efforts throughout the Asia Pacific region. Overseeing regional sales strategies for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) ensures that market penetration remains strong in diverse territories. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer trends to tailor product offerings to local preferences. By fostering relationships with regional distributors and stakeholders, Don Romano secures a robust market presence. Romano also manages the implementation of regional marketing campaigns that highlight the reliability and innovation of the vehicle lineup. Through strategic oversight of regional operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) drives revenue growth and brand loyalty. This focus on the Asia Pacific market ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge while adapting to the unique regulatory and economic landscapes of the region.

    Airton Cousseau - Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America)

    Airton Cousseau, the Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America) at Hyundai, directs all business operations and strategic growth initiatives across the Latin American market. Overseeing the development of regional sales channels for SUVs and passenger cars, the Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America) ensures that the brand maintains a strong foothold in these competitive territories. This leadership role involves navigating complex economic environments to drive sustainable profitability. By implementing localized business strategies, Airton Cousseau strengthens the company's market position against regional competitors. Cousseau also manages relationships with local manufacturing partners and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and operational success. Through the execution of targeted growth plans, the Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America) fosters brand awareness and customer satisfaction. This focus on the Americas ensures that the company effectively addresses the specific mobility needs of the regional consumer base.

    Ernesto Cavicchioli - Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A.

    Ernesto Cavicchioli, the Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A. at Hyundai, directs all commercial and operational activities within the Argentine market. Overseeing the distribution and sales of the vehicle portfolio, the Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A. ensures that the brand meets the specific demands of local consumers. This leadership role involves managing dealer networks and implementing customer service initiatives that enhance the ownership experience. By analyzing local market dynamics, Ernesto Cavicchioli develops strategies to maintain market share in a challenging economic landscape. Cavicchioli also coordinates with regional leadership to align local operations with global corporate standards. Through the effective management of the Argentine business unit, the Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A. drives brand growth and operational stability. This focus on the local market ensures that the company remains a preferred choice for automotive buyers in Argentina, reflecting the global commitment to quality and innovation.

    Hongshik Chin - Chief Financial Officer, Finance Accounting & Business & IT Administrator

    Hongshik Chin, the Chief Financial Officer, Finance Accounting & Business & IT Administrator at Hyundai, manages all fiscal reporting, accounting standards, and information technology infrastructure. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer, Finance Accounting & Business & IT Administrator ensures that capital allocation supports long-term innovation and manufacturing capacity. This leadership role involves integrating advanced IT systems to streamline business operations and data security. By maintaining rigorous accounting practices, Hongshik Chin provides transparency to stakeholders and the board. Chin also directs the digital transformation of business processes, ensuring that technology investments yield measurable improvements in productivity. Through the management of financial and IT resources, the Chief Financial Officer, Finance Accounting & Business & IT Administrator drives fiscal discipline and operational efficiency. This dual focus on financial stability and technological advancement remains critical for supporting the company's ongoing development and market competitiveness.

    Kanghyn Lee - Chief Operating Officer

    Kanghyn Lee, the Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai, directs all internal manufacturing workflows and supply chain logistics. Overseeing production efficiency across global facilities, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that assembly lines meet rigorous quality benchmarks for compact and luxury vehicles. This leadership role involves coordinating with engineering teams to optimize vehicle performance and safety standards. By streamlining operational processes, Kanghyn Lee directly impacts the company's ability to scale production for SUVs and commercial trucks. Furthermore, Lee manages resource allocation to maintain cost-effectiveness in a competitive automotive market. Through constant monitoring of factory output, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that manufacturing targets align with broader corporate objectives. This focus on operational excellence supports the long-term growth of the brand, ensuring that every vehicle produced reflects the high standards expected by customers worldwide.

    Byung Rhim - Chief Operating Officer, International Business

    Byung Rhim, the Chief Operating Officer, International Business at Hyundai, manages global distribution networks and international market operations. Overseeing the logistics of exporting vehicles to diverse global markets, the Chief Operating Officer, International Business ensures that supply chains remain resilient against international trade fluctuations. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional offices to optimize inventory management and vehicle availability. By standardizing operational procedures across international borders, Byung Rhim enhances the efficiency of the global sales network. Rhim also evaluates market performance data to identify opportunities for expansion into emerging economies. Through the integration of global logistics strategies, the Chief Operating Officer, International Business supports the company's objective of becoming a leading global automotive provider. This role remains essential for maintaining consistent service levels and product delivery, ensuring that the brand reaches customers effectively regardless of geographic location or local market complexity.

    Andrei Trevizan - CoS (Chief of Staff)

    Andrei Trevizan, the CoS (Chief of Staff) at Hyundai, manages executive communications and coordinates strategic initiatives across all departments. Overseeing the alignment of internal projects with the corporate mission, the CoS (Chief of Staff) facilitates decision-making processes for the senior leadership team. This role involves synthesizing complex data from various business units to provide actionable insights for the executive board. By bridging communication gaps between departments, Andrei Trevizan ensures that organizational goals remain consistent across the entire enterprise. Trevizan also monitors the execution of high-priority projects, ensuring that timelines and resource requirements remain within established parameters. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional collaboration, the CoS (Chief of Staff) drives organizational agility. This position remains vital for maintaining operational cohesion, allowing the company to respond rapidly to shifting market demands while upholding the core values of the automotive manufacturer.

    Kumaran Thanigaimani - Chief Medical Officer

    Kumaran Thanigaimani, the Chief Medical Officer at Hyundai, directs all health and safety protocols for the global workforce. Overseeing occupational health programs, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that manufacturing environments meet the highest standards of employee well-being. This leadership role involves implementing wellness initiatives that reduce workplace risks and promote a healthy corporate culture. By collaborating with human resources and operations, Kumaran Thanigaimani integrates medical expertise into the company's safety framework. Thanigaimani also monitors health trends to proactively address potential issues within the workforce. Through the development of comprehensive health policies, the Chief Medical Officer supports the company's commitment to its employees. This focus on medical oversight ensures that the organization maintains a safe and productive environment, which remains essential for sustaining high-quality manufacturing output and fostering a positive workplace atmosphere across all global facilities and corporate offices.

    Charles Plewes - Manager, Chief People Officer and Remarketing

    Charles Plewes, the Manager, Chief People Officer and Remarketing at Hyundai, directs human capital strategies and vehicle remarketing operations. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, the Manager, Chief People Officer and Remarketing ensures that the company attracts and retains top-tier professionals. This leadership role involves designing programs that enhance employee engagement and performance. By managing the remarketing of pre-owned vehicles, Charles Plewes also optimizes the lifecycle value of the company's automotive assets. Plewes coordinates with sales and finance teams to ensure that remarketing strategies align with overall revenue goals. Through the integration of people management and asset remarketing, the Manager, Chief People Officer and Remarketing drives both organizational growth and financial efficiency. This focus on human capital and asset management ensures that the company remains well-positioned to meet its strategic objectives while maintaining a high-performing and motivated workforce.
    Jason Erb, the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at Hyundai, directs all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance initiatives. Overseeing the legal framework for international operations, the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer ensures that the company adheres to all automotive safety and environmental regulations. This leadership role involves managing litigation, intellectual property protection, and contract negotiations. By establishing robust compliance programs, Jason Erb mitigates legal risks and protects the reputation of the brand. Erb also advises the executive board on legal implications of strategic business decisions, ensuring that all actions align with global legal standards. Through the management of legal and compliance functions, the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer drives ethical business practices. This focus on regulatory adherence remains critical for maintaining the company's integrity and ensuring that all business activities support the long-term sustainability of the automotive manufacturer.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hyundai Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hyundai?
    Hyundai is led by Don Romano (President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific)), along with executives such as Airton Cousseau (Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America)) and Ernesto Cavicchioli (Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A.).
    Who is part of Hyundai’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hyundai includes leaders such as Don Romano (President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific)), Airton Cousseau (Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America)), Ernesto Cavicchioli (Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A.) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hyundai have?
    Hyundai has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hyundai’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hyundai includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific), Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America), Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A., Chief Financial Officer, Finance Accounting & Business & IT Administrator, Chief Operating Officer.