Hyundai Motor Company has announced three significant leadership appointments as part of its ongoing commitment to strategic growth, global expansion, and operational excellence. The newly appointed leaders will report to José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, and take on expanded roles to support the company’s evolving global strategy and strengthen its position in the automotive industry.
“These appointments reflect our focus on excellence, innovation, and long-term growth,” said José Muñoz. “Szymon’s strategic insight will guide our future direction, Rob’s expertise in dealer network development will enhance global operations, and Trevor’s strong background in communications will boost our brand presence worldwide. Each of these leaders brings unique strengths to the table, and I am confident they will play a key role in shaping Hyundai’s success in 2025 and beyond.”
Szymon Walus has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Head of Strategy and Governance for Hyundai Motor Company. In his expanded role, Walus will lead global business strategy planning and manage the company’s governance office. He will continue to serve as SVP, Head of Strategy and Governance for the Hyundai Motor Americas Strategic Region. Walus joined Hyundai in August 2022 and brings over 20 years of international experience across commercial, strategic, and consulting roles in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. His previous positions include Partner and Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group in France, senior leadership roles at Nissan Motor Corporation, and consultant at Roland Berger Strategy Consultants in Germany. He holds an MBA from Niagara University (U.S.) and a bachelor’s degree from Reutlingen University’s School of International Business (Germany).
Rob Grafton is promoted to Senior Vice President, Head of Global Dealer Network Development, Hyundai and Genesis. Grafton will oversee all dealer network activities in global operations including Genesis. Grafton will continue to be part of Hyundai Motor North America as Senior Vice President and Head Dealer Network Development for the region. Prior to Hyundai, Grafton spent more than 20 years at Nissan North America in various sales and regional leadership positions. Grafton holds an MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business & Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business & Economics from California State University, Fullerton.
Trevor Hale is appointed to the newly created role of Vice President, Public Relations and Communications based in Washington, D.C. Hale will be responsible for communications for the company’s business initiatives and the Hyundai and Genesis brands. He will also report to President Sung Kim, Head of Hyundai Motor Group Strategic Planning Division and former U.S. Ambassador. Prior to joining Hyundai, Hale was the CEO of Hale Global Communications and a senior advisor for Hyundai. A former journalist, Hale has extensive corporate experience leading communications for Mercedes-Benz, DaimlerChrysler, Ford and INFINITI in roles based in North America, Germany, China, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong. Hale was named a distinguished alumnus at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.
Effective March 2025, these appointments align with Hyundai’s business strategy, which focuses on organizational agility and leadership excellence. The company remains committed to promoting top talent from within while also attracting external expertise to shape its future growth and transformation.
