Xavier Martinet to join Hyundai Motor Europe as President and CEO

Offenbach, 05 November 2024 – Hyundai Motor Europe (HME) has announced that Xavier Martinet will succeed Michael Cole as President and CEO. Cole will step down from his role on 31^st December 2024 after 15 years at Hyundai Motor Group, with Martinet assuming the position of HME President and CEO at its headquarters in Offenbach, Germany, from January 1^st 2025.

Martinet brings more than 27 years of experience in the automotive industry. Over his career, Martinet has worked for organizations across Europe and the United States. He started with Renault as Sales & Marketing Assistant in 1997 and held multiple positions of increasing responsibility, including Sales Manager, Renault Retail Group, Managing Director, Renault Italia, and Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Dacia. His most recent position was Senior Vice President, Commercial Services & Senior Vice President, Dacia brand, Marketing Sales & Operations.

“I am excited to join Hyundai Motor, an automotive industry leader in technology and innovation. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the great teams at Hyundai Motor Europe and will strive to further enhance sustainable growth, delivering exceptional customer satisfaction with the support of our dealers and importer partners,” Martinet said.

“We are pleased to have someone with Xavier’s depth of European experience and proven leadership joining the Hyundai team. We look forward to welcoming Xavier,” said Jose Munoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC).

Martinet will succeed Cole, who has served as President and CEO of HME since July 2020, following two years as President of Kia America, more than five years as Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe, and three years as Managing Director of Kia UK. During his time at HME, Cole played a pivotal role in advancing Hyundai’s presence in Europe, preparing the company to become a leading mobility solutions provider.

“Michael Cole has made major contributions during his 15 years at Hyundai Motor Group,” said Munoz. “We are all grateful to Michael for his outstanding leadership, driving Hyundai's growth across the Europe.”

Reflecting on his time with Hyundai Motor Group, Cole said: “After more than 40 years in the automotive industry it is now time to return to the UK to be with my family and to enjoy life beyond work. I have been incredibly fortunate to enjoy a career in such a dynamic industry, and over the last 15 years to work at Hyundai Motor Group, the best and most progressive automotive organization in the world. I am proud to have worked with a great team in Europe, who l know will ensure that Hyundai continues its exciting growth trajectory.”