Hyundai names Kyung Soo Lee as new U.S. CEO

LOS ANGELES -- After nearly nine months under an interim top executive, Hyundai Motor America has named Kyung Soo Lee as its new president and CEO.

Lee, who goes by Kenny, will start on Monday, Sept. 18. HMA's interim CEO Jerry Flannery will return to his post as general counsel and executive vice president. The news comes just two days after HMA named a new head of sales for its Genesis division, Marty Focht.

"Mr. Lee has an in-depth understanding of Hyundai Motor's global operation, following nearly two decades in diverse markets around the world, including the U.S., Europe and Latin America," Hyundai CEO Won-hee Lee said in a statement. "I would like to personally thank Jerry Flannery for his leadership and the stability he brought the organization while serving as interim president and CEO."

Lee, 61, will fill a post last held by Dave Zuchowski, who was fired in late December for failing to meet internal sales targets. Since then HMA has endured a rocky 2017: Sales are down 21 percent through August, its sales chief left in June and its Genesis luxury division is planning a costly shift in retail strategy toward stand-alone stores.

“We’re pleased that there is an official CEO announcement and we look forward meeting him and expressing what our feelings are on the brand in the U.S. and where it is today and where it needs to go,” Andre DiFeo, chairman of the Hyundai National Dealer Council and general manager of Hyundai of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, Fla. told Automotive News.

Dealers were informed of the move midday Friday, DiFeo said.

While dealers are pleased to have a formal CEO in place after a nine-month search, they had been pushing for Flannery to be named full-time CEO and for Sam Brnovich to be named full-time sales chief or COO.

“They both have a lot of experience with Hyundai in the U.S. and we feel that’s critical to the success of this brand in this market,” DiFeo added.

Hyundai and Kia veteran

Lee was most recently CEO of Hyundai Translead, an HMC subsidiary that builds semi-truck trailers. He's been with various HMC entities for the past 10 years. Lee also spent 13 years with Kia Motors, including posts as president of that company's operations in Spain and Latin America as well as Kia's Carribean regional head office. He was also senior vice president of Kia Motors Europe operation division.

Focht, 52, was named head of U.S. sales for Hyundai's Genesis luxury division on Wednesday. Focht begins the job immediately and will oversee "strategic sales planning, operations, market representation and retailer relationships," according to HMA. He will report to Genesis General Manager Erwin Raphael.

Focht previously spent more than 20 years at Mercedes-Benz, most recently working as the brand's western regional sales manager.