Hyundai Motor Company announced three significant executive appointments aimed at accelerating its strategic growth, reinforcing global operations, and enhancing brand communications. These appointments, effective March 2025, align with Hyundai's long-term vision of operational excellence and continued innovation.
The executives will report directly to José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, and will assume broader leadership responsibilities across strategic and global functions.
“These leadership appointments reflect Hyundai’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and strategic growth,” said José Muñoz. “Szymon’s strategic vision will drive our long-term success, Rob’s leadership in dealer network development will strengthen our global operations, and Trevor’s extensive communications expertise will enhance our brand’s global presence. Each of these leaders brings invaluable experience to their roles, and I am confident they will significantly impact Hyundai's future.”
Executive Appointments
Szymon Walus has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Head of Strategy and Governance for Hyundai Motor Company. He will lead global business strategy planning and oversee the Hyundai Motor Company governance office.
Walus will also continue his current role as SVP, Head of Strategy and Governance for the Hyundai Motor Americas Strategic Region. With over 20 years in the automotive industry, Walus joined Hyundai in 2022 and previously held leadership positions at Boston Consulting Group, Nissan Motor Corporation, and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. He holds an MBA from Niagara University (USA) and a bachelor’s degree from Reutlingen University (Germany).
Rob Grafton has been named Senior Vice President, Head of Global Dealer Network Development for both Hyundai and Genesis brands. He will oversee all global dealer network operations and continues to serve as SVP and Head of Dealer Network Development at Hyundai Motor North America. Grafton brings over two decades of experience from Nissan North America and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a BBA from California State University, Fullerton.
Trevor Hale has been appointed to the newly created role of Vice President, Public Relations and Communications, based in Washington, D.C. He will oversee communications for Hyundai Motor Company’s business initiatives and the Hyundai and Genesis brands. Hale, a former journalist, was previously CEO of Hale Global Communications and has held senior communications roles at Mercedes-Benz, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and INFINITI across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
These appointments highlight Hyundai’s commitment to internal talent development and the strategic acquisition of global expertise, ensuring the company’s continued evolution and leadership in a dynamic mobility landscape.
