Hyundai Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hyundai has 10 executives leading key functions including regional strategy, global operations, financial administration, and human capital management.

Focused on engineering excellence and sustainable mobility, Hyundai delivers advanced automotive solutions while maintaining a commitment to global manufacturing standards and long-term market expansion across diverse international territories.

Leadership Roles at Hyundai

  • President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) - Don Romano
  • Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A. - Ernesto Cavicchioli
  • Global Chief Executive Officer Office - Ryan Youngmin
  • Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America) - Airton Cousseau
  • 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
  • Don Romano - President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific)

    Don Romano, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) at Hyundai, directs all strategic initiatives across the Asia Pacific region. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains and expanding market share for compact and luxury vehicles. By overseeing regional sales performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) ensures alignment with corporate manufacturing goals. Don Romano drives operational efficiency by coordinating with local distribution partners to optimize vehicle availability. This executive position requires constant monitoring of regional economic trends to adjust production output accordingly. Through rigorous oversight of regional commercial vehicle segments, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific) secures a competitive advantage in high-growth markets. The executive maintains strong relationships with regional stakeholders to facilitate seamless product launches. Ultimately, Romano strengthens the brand presence throughout the Asia Pacific territory by prioritizing customer-centric automotive innovation and reliable service delivery.

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

    Ernesto Cavicchioli, the Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A. at Hyundai, manages all business operations within the Argentine market. This role involves overseeing the distribution of SUVs, minivans, and passenger cars to meet local consumer demand. By architecting localized marketing strategies, the Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A. drives brand awareness and customer loyalty. Ernesto Cavicchioli coordinates with the Seoul headquarters to ensure that regional inventory levels align with global production schedules. This leadership function requires navigating complex regulatory environments to maintain consistent vehicle supply. Through the implementation of efficient sales processes, the Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A. maximizes revenue growth across the commercial and passenger vehicle segments. Cavicchioli monitors competitive dynamics to adjust pricing and promotional activities effectively. Ultimately, the executive secures a dominant market position by delivering high-quality automotive products tailored to the specific needs of the Argentine consumer base.

    Ryan Youngmin - Global Chief Executive Officer Office

    Ryan Youngmin, the Global Chief Executive Officer Office at Hyundai, coordinates high-level strategic initiatives across the entire global organization. This role involves facilitating communication between executive leadership and various international business units to ensure operational cohesion. By managing the flow of critical information, the Global Chief Executive Officer Office supports the execution of long-term corporate objectives. Ryan Youngmin oversees the integration of new manufacturing technologies into existing production lines to enhance vehicle quality. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with regional heads to align global product development with local market requirements. Through the optimization of internal reporting structures, the Global Chief Executive Officer Office improves decision-making speed and organizational agility. Youngmin drives the implementation of sustainability initiatives across all global manufacturing facilities. Ultimately, the executive ensures that the company maintains a unified vision while adapting to the rapidly evolving demands of the international automotive industry.

    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 commercial activities across the Latin American region. This role involves overseeing the sales and distribution of SUVs and passenger vehicles tailored to regional preferences. By architecting market expansion strategies, the Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America) drives brand growth in competitive emerging markets. Airton Cousseau coordinates with regional manufacturing plants to ensure that production volumes match local demand fluctuations. This leadership function requires managing complex dealer networks to maintain high standards of customer service. Through the implementation of localized marketing campaigns, the Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America) strengthens the company's market share. Cousseau monitors regional economic indicators to adjust business strategies for maximum profitability. Ultimately, the executive secures a strong regional presence by delivering reliable automotive solutions that resonate with the diverse consumer base across Brazil and surrounding territories.

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

    Hongshik Chin, the Chief Financial Officer, Finance Accounting & Business & IT Administrator at Hyundai, manages the global financial health and information technology infrastructure. This role involves overseeing complex accounting practices, capital allocation, and digital transformation initiatives. By directing financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer, Finance Accounting & Business & IT Administrator ensures that the company maintains a robust balance sheet to support ongoing R&D investments. Hongshik Chin coordinates with IT teams to implement secure data systems that protect proprietary manufacturing designs. This leadership position requires rigorous oversight of business operations to identify cost-saving opportunities and revenue growth drivers. Through the integration of advanced financial reporting tools, the Chief Financial Officer, Finance Accounting & Business & IT Administrator provides actionable insights to the board. Chin secures long-term fiscal stability by managing global tax compliance and investment strategies. Ultimately, the executive drives organizational efficiency through the alignment of financial resources and technological capabilities.

    Kanghyn Lee - Chief Operating Officer

    Kanghyn Lee, the Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai, directs the internal manufacturing processes and global supply chain logistics. This role involves optimizing production efficiency for the entire range of compact cars, luxury vehicles, and commercial trucks. By overseeing factory output and quality control standards, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every vehicle meets rigorous safety and performance benchmarks. Kanghyn Lee coordinates with engineering teams to streamline the assembly of new vehicle models. This leadership function requires managing large-scale operational budgets to reduce waste and improve manufacturing margins. Through the implementation of advanced automation technologies, the Chief Operating Officer drives significant improvements in production throughput. Lee monitors global logistics networks to ensure timely delivery of components and finished goods to international markets. Ultimately, the executive maintains the operational integrity of the company by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence across all manufacturing sites.

    Byung Rhim - Chief Operating Officer, International Business

    Byung Rhim, the Chief Operating Officer, International Business at Hyundai, manages the expansion and operational performance of international business units outside of core domestic markets. This role involves overseeing the deployment of commercial vehicles and buses into new global territories. By directing cross-border logistics and distribution strategies, the Chief Operating Officer, International Business ensures that the company maintains a consistent global footprint. Byung Rhim coordinates with regional managers to adapt product offerings to specific international regulatory requirements. This leadership position requires managing complex partnerships with local distributors to facilitate market entry. Through the optimization of international supply chains, the Chief Operating Officer, International Business drives operational efficiency and reduces lead times for global customers. Rhim monitors international market trends to identify new growth opportunities for the commercial vehicle segment. Ultimately, the executive secures the company's global competitive position by fostering seamless collaboration between international business units and the central manufacturing headquarters.
    Byung Rhim

    Andrei Trevizan - CoS (Chief of Staff)

    Andrei Trevizan, the CoS (Chief of Staff) at Hyundai, manages the daily administrative and strategic priorities of the executive office. This role involves facilitating high-level meetings and ensuring that corporate initiatives receive proper attention from the leadership team. By coordinating cross-departmental projects, the CoS (Chief of Staff) drives organizational alignment and operational focus. Andrei Trevizan oversees the preparation of executive briefings and reports that inform critical business decisions regarding vehicle production and market strategy. This leadership function requires managing sensitive communications and maintaining the integrity of the executive decision-making process. Through the implementation of efficient workflow systems, the CoS (Chief of Staff) improves the productivity of the senior management team. Trevizan monitors the progress of key strategic goals to ensure that all departments remain on track. Ultimately, the executive supports the company's mission by streamlining internal processes and ensuring that the leadership team remains focused on long-term growth and innovation.

    Kumaran Thanigaimani - Chief Medical Officer

    Kumaran Thanigaimani, the Chief Medical Officer at Hyundai, directs all health and safety initiatives for the global workforce. This role involves implementing comprehensive wellness programs and occupational health standards across all manufacturing facilities. By overseeing the safety protocols for employees working with heavy machinery and automotive assembly lines, the Chief Medical Officer ensures a secure working environment. Kumaran Thanigaimani coordinates with human resources to provide medical support and health education to staff members. This leadership position requires monitoring global health trends to proactively address potential risks to the workforce. Through the development of robust safety training modules, the Chief Medical Officer drives a culture of prevention and well-being. Thanigaimani manages relationships with external health providers to ensure that employees receive high-quality care. Ultimately, the executive supports the company's operational success by maintaining a healthy, productive, and safe workforce capable of meeting the rigorous demands of automotive manufacturing.

    Charles Plewes - Manager, Chief People Officer and Remarketing

    Charles Plewes, the Manager, Chief People Officer and Remarketing at Hyundai, directs human capital strategies and the remarketing of pre-owned vehicles. This role involves overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and the lifecycle management of used inventory. By architecting recruitment programs, the Manager, Chief People Officer and Remarketing ensures that the company attracts top talent to support automotive innovation. Charles Plewes coordinates with sales teams to optimize the resale value of returned vehicles, thereby maximizing revenue from the remarketing channel. This leadership function requires balancing the needs of the workforce with the financial objectives of the remarketing division. Through the implementation of performance management systems, the Manager, Chief People Officer and Remarketing drives employee engagement and productivity. Plewes monitors market trends in the used vehicle sector to adjust pricing and inventory strategies. Ultimately, the executive strengthens the company's market position by fostering a high-performing culture and maximizing the value of the entire vehicle lifecycle.

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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 Ernesto Cavicchioli (Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A.) and Ryan Youngmin (Global Chief Executive Officer Office).
    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)), Ernesto Cavicchioli (Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A.), Ryan Youngmin (Global Chief Executive Officer Office) 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, Hyundai Motor Argentina S.A., Global Chief Executive Officer Office, Chief Executive Officer & President (Brazil, Central & South America), Chief Financial Officer, Finance Accounting & Business & IT Administrator.