Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Hyundai Motor reshuffles US production division to mitigate tariff risks
Chris Susock, left, chief manufacturing officer at Hyundai Motor North America, and Philippe Guerin-Boutaud, executive vice president for Hyundai Motor’s global product management division / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
By Lee Min-hyung
Hyundai Motor has carried out a reshuffle for its major production facilities in the United States in a strategic move to maximize its operational efficiency amid escalating tariff risks there, according to the carmaker, Wednesday.
Under the reshuffle, Chris Susock, who served as president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), has been promoted to chief manufacturing officer at Hyundai Motor North America.
The position was created for the first time as part of the firm’s efforts to preemptively tackle uncertainties following U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 25 percent tariff on all car imports on April 2.
He will oversee the overall manufacturing operations for the carmaker’s U.S. production lines, including HMMA and Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), as the two facilities’ strategic importance grows rapidly while Trump pushes global carmakers to increase production in the U.S.
In response, Hyundai Motor Group’s three car brands — Hyundai Motor, Kia and Genesis — are rebuilding their production portfolios rapidly by opening HMGMA, thereby increasing localized production, particularly for hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs).
“Susock will focus on maximizing operational synergy, streamlining processes and enhancing productivity, quality and safety across both manufacturing facilities,” an official from the carmaker said.
The executive is a manufacturing expert who has spent more than two decades with the carmaker, joining in 2004. He took on diverse roles — such as vice president of vehicle production — and played a crucial role in shaping HMMA’s business manufacturing operating system.
Before working for the Korean carmaker, he spent 15 years at Ford Motor, where he held diverse positions in manufacturing.
The carmaker also promoted Philippe Guerin-Boutaud to executive vice president for Hyundai Motor’s global product management division to advance its global product alignment, the company said.
The division focuses on driving the carmaker’s global sales performance and improving its profitability.
Guerin-Boutaud is recognized for his excellence in mapping out global product strategies in the car industry. His previous roles included senior vice president of the global product directors' office at Hyundai Motor.
He also worked as Renault Group’s executive vice president of quality and total customer satisfaction. Hyundai Motor expects his international experience to enhance the firm’s agile response to global trade uncertainties.
His extensive career also includes work in vehicle performance, design, manufacturing, engineering and business management. The executive is also renowned for his global experience spanning Europe, Japan, North America and Korea.
“Philippe and Chris are trusted and accomplished leaders who bring proven expertise, strategic insight and a deep commitment to excellence,” Hyundai Motor CEO José Muñoz said. “These appointments reinforce our focus on execution, innovation and sustained growth as we navigate a rapidly evolving industry landscape.”