Hyundai Motor Group set to replace design and R&D chiefs

Peter Schreyer, the president and head of Design Management of Hyundai Motor Group / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group

By Baek Byung-yeul

Hyundai Motor Group is set to implement a year-end reshuffle of executives by appointing new design and R&D chiefs between Wednesday and Friday at the latest, as the Korean auto giant seeks to make another leap forward in the fast-changing mobility market, sources said Monday.

During its annual personnel reshuffle of executives, the automotive group is considering replacing its overseas-based executives, including the heads of its R&D and design divisions, the sources said. These are Peter Schreyer, the president and head of design management of Hyundai Motor Group, and Albert Biermann, the president and head of Hyundai-Kia's R&D division.

This personnel reshuffle will be the second under Chairman Chung Euisun. Last December, Chung, who took office in October 2020, conducted his first reshuffle, naming a number of executives trusted by him, including Hyundai Motor CEO Chang Jae-hoon.

Schreyer is regarded as an expert who made significant contributions to enhancing the design quality of the group's automobile brands ― Hyundai, Kia and Genesis ― to a level comparable to world-class carmakers.

Since joining the group in 2006, the ex-Audi and Volkswagen designer has been the hidden force who helped Kia achieve a major transformation in brand recognition. Schreyer applied what he calls a "tiger nose" design to the radiator grills of Kia cars, which used to receive tepid reviews from overseas critics.

Under his direction, the automotive group was able to produce numerous popular models, such as the Kia K5 sedan and Mohave SUV, as well as the Hyundai Tucson SUV, Grandeur sedan and Genesis' G70, G80 and G90 premium sedans.

Albert Biermann, the president and head of Hyundai-Kia's R&D Division

The group's R&D division leader, Biermann, is also mentioned as a candidate who could leave the company. That decision depends on whether the automaker will be able to secure a successor.

The former BMW engineer joined Hyundai in 2015 and has been credited with significant improvements in the performance of Hyundai's cars. He also contributed to creating Hyundai Motor's high-performance "N" brand.

Regarding the reason behind Hyundai considering changing the two German executives, a local industry source said, "Hyundai Motor Group is highly inclined to appoint new faces at a time when the group is trying to transform itself into a mobility maker and not just an automaker."

A Hyundai Motor official said the company is expected to conduct the reshuffle this month, while declining to offer details.

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