Edward Lee, chief executive officer, Hyundai Australia (HMCA), has been promoted to head of Hyundai’s international sales division, based in Korea.
Chul-hwan (Charlie) Kim, head of overseas marketing, has replaced Lee, effective today, Monday, January 14.
Kim has previously held Hyundai roles in India and America.
Lee joined HMCA in May 2009 and during his time as CEO, Hyundai Australia has seen unprecedented growth.
The company has progressed from eighth position in the Australian market to fourth. Sales volume have grown from 45,409 vehicles in 2008 to 91,536 vehicles in 2012, while the number of Hyundai dealers in the country has grown from 142 to 155.
Hyundai has won 86 major Australian motoring awards during Lee’s tenure, including nine Australia’s Best Cars (ABC) awards, three overall Car of the Year awards and seven Canstar customer satisfaction awards. Lee also received a Government award from the President of Korea for his efforts to improve exports from Korea to Australia.
“Working in Australia has been the most rewarding and enjoyable time of my professional career,” says Lee.
“I would like to thank the fantastic team who have supported me, both our Hyundai staff around Australia and in our dealerships – we really do have world class people working for Hyundai and that is reflected in our results.
“I would also like to thank our associates across the country, everyone with whom I’ve worked in my capacity as CEO. I’ve made some lifelong friends here and it is very sad to be leaving this great country.”
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