Hyundai CEO José Muñoz Named 2025 MotorTrend Person of the Year
MotorTrend has officially named José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, as its 2025 Person of the Year. This recognition not only cements Muñoz’s impact on the automotive industry but also places him at the pinnacle of MotorTrend’s prestigious 2025 Power List, which ranks the top 50 most influential figures in the field.
According to MotorTrend, Muñoz makes history as the first non-Korean executive to lead the Hyundai conglomerate, which includes both Hyundai and Genesis brands. His leadership has propelled Hyundai through an era of record-breaking growth in North America, significantly increasing sales, market share, revenue, and overall profitability. MotorTrend’s editorial statement reads, “Muñoz has more than earned his top spot on our Power List, and he shows no signs of slowing down or making major missteps.”
Hyundai’s Influence on the 2025 MotorTrend Power List
Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) continues to showcase its growing influence in the automotive sector, with several key executives also making the 2025 MotorTrend Power List. Among them are:
- Euisun Chung – Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, previously named MotorTrend’s Person of the Year in 2023.
- SangYup Lee – Hyundai Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design.
- Luc Donckerwolke – Hyundai Motor Group’s Chief Creative Officer.
- Claudia Marquez – Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor America.
- Karim Habib – Head of KIA Global Design and the KIA Design Center.
MotorTrend praised Hyundai’s evolution from being primarily recognized for affordability and value to becoming a brand associated with high quality, innovation, and prestige. The publication noted, “We’ve been so impressed with the group’s contemporary offerings in recent times that we named the Genesis GV70 the 2022 MotorTrend SUV of the Year and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 our 2023 SUV of the Year.”
Muñoz’s Leadership in Hyundai’s Global Expansion
Under Muñoz’s leadership, Hyundai Motor Group has achieved consecutive record-breaking results, contributing to its ascent as the world’s third-largest automaker. A staunch advocate of investing in new technologies and strategic partnerships, Muñoz has played a crucial role in steering Hyundai toward a future centered on safety, sustainability, and cutting-edge mobility solutions.
Muñoz attributes Hyundai’s remarkable success to the visionary leadership of its Executive Chair, Euisun Chung. Chung’s “Progress for Humanity” vision aims to revolutionize transportation through smart cities, electrification, advanced air mobility, autonomous driving, robotics, artificial intelligence, and a hydrogen-powered economy. Muñoz has worked closely with Chung to ensure Hyundai remains at the forefront of these technological advancements.
Transformational Investments in the U.S. and Beyond
One of the defining aspects of Muñoz’s tenure has been Hyundai’s aggressive expansion in manufacturing capacity across North America and the globe. Key investments under his leadership include:
- A $12.6 billion investment in a new Hyundai Motor Group assembly plant and two battery joint ventures in Georgia, boosting Hyundai’s electric vehicle (EV) production.
- Significant capital investments in Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, strengthening Hyundai’s production capabilities in the U.S.
- The establishment of Hyundai’s Safety Test and Investigation Lab in Michigan, reinforcing the company’s commitment to vehicle safety.
- Expansions and enhancements to Hyundai’s North American headquarters in California.
Hyundai Motor Group has cumulatively invested $20.5 billion in the U.S., generating over 570,000 direct and indirect jobs since its entry into the American market. These investments underscore Hyundai’s long-term commitment to growth and sustainability while positioning the company as a dominant force in the global automotive industry.
A Storied Career in the Automotive Industry
Muñoz’s impressive career spans several decades and multiple high-profile roles in the automotive sector. Before joining Hyundai in 2019, he held leadership positions at major automakers, including Daewoo, Toyota, and Nissan. At Nissan, he served as Chief Performance Officer and chaired both the China and North America operations, gaining extensive experience in navigating global markets.
When he joined Hyundai as President and Global Chief Operating Officer in 2019, he also took on the role of President and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. Under his leadership, Hyundai consistently achieved record-breaking sales. In 2022, his responsibilities expanded further as he was appointed to the Hyundai Motor Company Board of Directors. His new role included overseeing operations across Europe, India, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, along with managing global sales, service, and product planning.
Background and Education
Born and raised in Spain, Muñoz initially pursued a career in nuclear engineering and aerospace before transitioning into the automotive industry. His academic credentials include:
- A Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from Polytechnic University of Madrid.
- An MBA from Instituto de Empresa (IE) Business School in Madrid.
- Completion of executive management programs at Cranfield School of Management in the U.K. and INSEAD Business School in France.
Muñoz is multilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, and French, which has aided his ability to lead in diverse global markets.
Shaping the Future of Mobility
As Hyundai Motor Company moves toward an era of electrification, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, Muñoz remains at the helm, ensuring the brand maintains its rapid momentum. With Hyundai’s aggressive push into EV production, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and smart mobility solutions, the company is poised to be a leader in the next-generation automotive industry.
Muñoz’s recognition as MotorTrend’s 2025 Person of the Year is a testament to his strategic vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to innovation. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, his ability to navigate complex challenges and drive Hyundai’s transformation ensures that both the brand and the industry remain on an exciting trajectory toward the future.
