Hyundai revs up for action in China with new executive appointments

Hyundai Motor Group is revving up for action in China. The automaker has announced that Kwang-guk Lee will be promoted to President and Head of China Operations from his current position as Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division at Hyundai Motor Company.

Lee is expected to enhance the Group’s agility and competitiveness in the Chinese market, the biggest battleground for the global automotive industry.

In his new capacity, Lee will oversee the Group’s business in China to enhance its business competitiveness and brand value. He will also devise business strategies and establish mid- to long-term visions for this important market.

Over the years, Lee has accumulated abundant experience in Hyundai Motor’s overseas businesses, including Germany and U.K. During his tenure as Head of Korea Business Division of Hyundai Motor, he spearheaded the company’s prowess in sales and brand innovation, including the launch of new models and creative marketing and communication efforts.

Lee has assumed charge of his new post on November 1. The current head of China operations, President Byung Ho Lee, will serve as an advisor to the Group.

Career highlights
2016 ~ 2019: Executive Vice President, Head of Korea Business Division
2014 ~ 2016: Senior Vice President, Head of Hyundai Motor Company Washington Office
2011 ~ 2014: Vice President, External Affairs Team Leader
2011: Vice President, Brand Strategy Team Leader
2010: Vice President, Head of Vehicle Export Support Group
2006 ~ 2010: Vice President, Head of Hyundai Motor UK

Sven Mirko Patuschka appointed Head of R&D Centre in China
yundai has also appointed Sven Mirko Patuschka as Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Technology & Engineering Center in China (HMTC). Patuschka will oversee R&D strategy and lead the development of exclusive models tailored to the local market, further strengthening the Group’s presence in China.

Located in Yantai, Shandong Province, HMTC is one of the Group’s overseas facilities dedicated to the research and development of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, as well as innovative technologies for the Chinese market.

“I’m honored to take part in Hyundai Motor Group’s future vision during this exciting time of change and innovation,” said Patuschka. “The transformation from hardware- to software-based competence in the Chinese market will be one of the biggest challenges for the Group, and therefore one of my priorities. I look forward to leveraging my years of experience to take Hyundai Motor Group’s development strategy and brand direction to the next level in China.”

Patuschka’s technical expertise ranges from batteries for new energy vehicles to autonomous driving and connected services. Most recently, Patuschka was the head of R&D at Volkswagen Group China and the Chief Technology Officer at Mobility Asia, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group focusing on mobility services. He is also credited for Volkswagen Group’s growth in China and the development of mobility services competence in the local market.

“Sven Mirko Patuschka has vast knowledge and experience not only in the automotive industry but in the latest Chinese technology and services domain, including autonomous driving and connected service,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “With Patuschka on board, Hyundai Motor Group will be better positioned to win the hearts of Chinese customers with exclusive models and innovative technology and mobility services.”

HMTC is a vital part of the technology and engineering network that the Group operates globally, including in North America, Europe, and India.

Career highlights
2013 ~ 2019: Head of Technical Development Brand VW, VW Group R&D Technology Asia
2018 ~ 2019: Chief Technology Officer, Mobility Asia (China)
2009 ~ 2013: Head of Electric Electronic Development, System Integration & Energy Systems, Volkswagen Group (Germany)
2004 ~ 2009: Head of Electric Electronic Development, Skoda Auto (Czech Republic)
2001 ~ 2004: Head of Electric Electronic Development, Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive (China)
1995 ~ 2001: Electric Electronic Engineer, Volkswagen AG (Germany)