- Executive Vice President Yong Wha Kim is a R&D specialist with experience in key areas, including:
– Automotive hardware and software development
– Development of vehicles for advanced studies and mass-production vehicles
– EV development strategies and relevant investments
- EVP Kim is expected to spearhead software focused R&D efforts amid the industry’s transition towards software-defined vehicles
- Over the past four decades, President Jung Kook Park has led the R&D paradigm shift and its working environment improvements
Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today announced the appointment of Executive Vice President Yong Wha Kim as the new Head of R&D Division, effective May 1.
EVP Kim joined the Group in 2015 as an expert in vehicle control. Kim is an internationally recognized authority in the field of engine control software. In his new position as Head of the R&D Division, EVP Kim is expected to effectively lead the division to focus its efforts to integrate software and hardware in the industry’s transition towards software-defined vehicles (SDV).
Since joining the Group’s R&D Division, EVP Kim has held key positions, including Head of the Vehicle Control Development Group, Head of the Vehicle Control Development Center and Head of the R&D Planning and Coordination Center. He has vast experience encompassing hardware, software, mass-production vehicles and vehicles for advanced studies.
EVP Kim has led key projects, such as hardware and software integration strategies for vehicles. These strategies entail plans to integrate infotainment, electronics, autonomous driving, chassis, powertrain and vehicle controllers. He also served as Head of the R&D Planning and Coordination Center, supporting the Group’s electrification transition by establishing EV development strategies and relevant investment decisions.
The Group also appointed President Jung Kook Park, the current Head of the R&D Division, as an advisor.
Having joined the Group in 1984, President Park is a living witness to the progress made by R&D Division over the past four decades. Before serving as Head of the Group’s R&D Division, he held various roles, including Head of the Hyundai/Kia America Technical Center, Head of the Total Vehicle Performance Development Center and Head of the R&D Planning and Coordination Center.
President Park has led the paradigm shift in R&D that’s supported the Group’s transformation as a smart and sustainable mobility solutions provider. Under his leadership, the R&D Division has contributed to the success of highly competitive models, such as Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 and Kia’s EV6, and helped the Group become one of the world’s top three automotive brands. Furthermore, he has contributed to creating a positive work environment within the R&D Division based on his inclusive leadership as well as his deep understanding and expertise in the R&D field.
Executive Vice President, Yong Wha Kim
Career Highlights
: Head of the R&D Planning & Coordination Center, HMG (2022. Jan ~ Present)
: Head of the Vehicle Control Development Center, HMG (2018. Jan ~ 2021. Dec)
: Head of the Vehicle Control Development Group, HMG (2015. Feb ~ 2017. Dec)
: Powertrain Control System Technical Specialist, Ford / (1999 ~ 2014)
Academic Background
: The Ohio State University / Mechanical Engineering, doctor’s degree (1999)
: The Ohio State University / Mechanical Engineering, master’s degree (1995)
: Seoul National University / Mechanical Engineering, bachelor’s degree (1987)