Hyundai Motor Company, one of the world’s largest automakers and part of the Hyundai Motor Group (the third-largest automaker globally), was led by Jaehoon Chang as President and CEO from 2020 to 2024. During his tenure, Chang guided Hyundai through the COVID-19 pandemic, spearheaded the company’s hydrogen energy initiatives, and oversaw the successful IPO of Hyundai Motor India. He was promoted to Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group’s Automotive Division in January 2025, with José Muñoz succeeding him as the first non-Korean global CEO in the company’s history.
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Jaehoon Chang – Quick Facts
Career Highlights
- Vice Chairman (2025–present): Promoted to Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group’s Automotive Division, overseeing Group-wide synergy across mobility, hydrogen energy, and robotics
- Hyundai Motor India IPO (2024): Spearheaded the successful IPO of Hyundai Motor India, one of the largest IPOs in Indian market history
- Record Financial Performance: Under his leadership, Hyundai Motor achieved record revenue of KRW 175.2 trillion (~$132 billion) in 2024
- Hydrogen Energy Champion: Led Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell strategy, positioning the company as a global leader in hydrogen mobility
- Pandemic Navigation: Guided Hyundai Motor through the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions while maintaining production and profitability
- Genesis Brand Growth: Previously served as CEO of the Genesis luxury brand, helping establish it as a standalone marque
Jaehoon Chang – Career & Education
Jaehoon Chang (Chang Jae-hoon) earned a B.A. in Sociology from Korea University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious universities, and an MBA from Boston University. He began his career at Samsung and General Electric before joining the Hyundai Motor Group ecosystem.
Career Timeline
Chang joined Hyundai Glovis in 2011 and moved to Hyundai Motor Company in 2012. He rose through multiple executive roles, including leading the Genesis luxury brand as its CEO, before being appointed President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company in 2020. During his four-year tenure, he transformed Hyundai into a global leader in electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell technology.
In January 2025, Chang was promoted to Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group’s Automotive Division, where he now oversees the Group’s overarching strategy for mobility, hydrogen energy, and robotics, coordinating synergies between Hyundai and Kia.
Education
Jaehoon Chang Net Worth 2026
Jaehoon Chang’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at approximately $15–25 million. As a senior executive at a major Korean conglomerate, his compensation is not fully disclosed in the same manner as U.S. public companies. However, as Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, he is among the highest-paid executives in South Korea’s automotive industry.
Compensation Overview
Current Hyundai Motor CEO – José Muñoz
José Muñoz was appointed President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company effective January 1, 2025, succeeding Jaehoon Chang. He is the first non-Korean to serve as global CEO of a major Korean conglomerate. Born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in 1965, Muñoz is 60 years old as of 2026.
Muñoz holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and an Executive MBA from IE Business School in Madrid. He also completed executive management programs at Cranfield School of Management (UK) and INSEAD Business School (France).
Before joining Hyundai, Muñoz worked at Daewoo, Toyota, and Nissan, where he served as Chief Performance Officer and oversaw China and North America operations. He joined Hyundai Motor in 2019 as President and Global Chief Operating Officer, also serving as President and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. In 2022, his responsibilities expanded to include Europe, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
About Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer founded in 1967. The company produces vehicles ranging from economy cars to luxury sedans under its Hyundai and Genesis brands, and is part of the Hyundai Motor Group — the third-largest automaker in the world alongside affiliate Kia.
Hyundai Motor Financial Summary (2025)
Headquarters: 12 Heolleung-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea • Founded: 1967 • Brands: Hyundai, Genesis
Hyundai Motor Competitors
Hyundai Motor Company competes with major global automakers across multiple segments:
- Toyota Motor – world’s largest automaker by sales volume
- Volkswagen Group – Europe’s largest automaker
- General Motors – major U.S. automaker
- Ford Motor Company – leading U.S. manufacturer
- Honda Motor – Japanese automotive giant
- Nissan Motor – Japanese automaker and Muñoz’s former employer
- BMW Group – German luxury competitor to Genesis
- Kia Corporation – Hyundai Motor Group affiliate
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the current CEO of Hyundai Motor?
José Muñoz is the current President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, appointed effective January 1, 2025. He succeeded Jaehoon Chang, who was promoted to Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group.
Why did Jaehoon Chang leave as Hyundai CEO?
Jaehoon Chang did not leave Hyundai — he was promoted. In January 2025, Chang was elevated to Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group’s Automotive Division, where he oversees the Group’s strategy for mobility, hydrogen energy, and robotics.
What is Jaehoon Chang’s net worth?
Jaehoon Chang’s net worth is estimated at approximately $15–25 million as of 2026. Korean conglomerate executive compensation is not disclosed with the same transparency as U.S. public companies.
Who is José Muñoz?
José Muñoz is a Spanish-born automotive executive who became the first non-Korean CEO of Hyundai Motor Company in January 2025. He holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and an Executive MBA, and previously held senior roles at Nissan, Toyota, and Daewoo before joining Hyundai in 2019.
Where is Hyundai Motor headquartered?
Hyundai Motor Company is headquartered at 12 Heolleung-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Its North American headquarters is in Fountain Valley, California.
How big is Hyundai Motor Company?
Hyundai Motor sold over 4.1 million vehicles worldwide in 2025 and recorded revenue of KRW 186.3 trillion (~$140 billion). The Hyundai Motor Group (including Kia) is the third-largest automaker in the world.
Article last updated: February 2026
Disclaimer: All information presented in this article has been compiled from publicly available sources, including official company press releases, financial disclosures, and reputable news outlets. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.