The incoming new year will be another milestone for Hyundai Motor Company. The firm has just announced that it will have a new president and CEO in José Muñoz. The Spanish executive’s assignment will be starting on January 1, taking over the position of current boss Jaehoon Chang.

Muñoz isn’t really new to Hyundai. He joined the company in 2019 as head of its North American subsidiary, which includes the Genesis brand of luxury vehicles. In 2022, he became responsible for the South Korean automaker’s global operations in key markets in Europe, Africa and Asia.

During his tenure, Hyundai and Genesis achieved record sales and growth in North America. Investments were also made into building production facilities in the United States. As incoming CEO, Muñoz will focus on turning Hyundai into a true mobility company by diversifying its powertrain portfolio and providing sustainable transport solutions.

Prior to working for Hyundai, Muñoz held leadership roles at Nissan for 15 years, so he does have significant industry experience. Having earned a doctorate in nuclear engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, it seems like the guy legitimately knows his way around machines.