Hyundai Motor Company Australia has announced the promotion of Don Romano to President of Asia Pacific for Hyundai Motor, while retaining his position as CEO and President of Hyundai Australia.
Under the new role, Romano will oversee both the Hyundai and Genesis brands in Australia and split his time between Sydney and Jakarta.
The appointment recognises Romano’s successful first year leading the Australian operation, during which Hyundai sales grew 7.7% year-on-year and Genesis achieved 14.4% growth.
Romano brings four decades of automotive industry experience to the expanded role. He joined Hyundai Motor Company Australia in March 2025, following a 10-year tenure as President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada, where he delivered record sales and profit growth.
His industry achievements include multiple recognitions by Automotive News as an Automotive All Star, Canadian Black Book’s Industry Icon Award, and recognition from the Women’s Executive Network for his contribution to workplace diversity and equality.
Genesis retail transformation
During his Australian tenure, Romano championed Genesis’ retail transformation, opening two new showcases in Sydney. This included the brand’s first agency partnership with CKD Automotive, marking a significant shift in the luxury brand’s local retail strategy.
The Asia Pacific role encompasses 32 countries including Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines and Thailand. The region includes manufacturing plants in Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore, representing a key growth area for Hyundai Motor.
“As I take on this new responsibility in Asia Pacific, I am filled with both purpose and optimism,” Romano said.
“This region is dynamic, diverse, and full of untapped potential. Together with the teams in every Asia Pacific market, we will embrace and foster innovation, collaboration, people development, and a global mindset.”
Romano said it was an honour to be promoted to the role and looked forward to leading Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific to a strong and sustainable future.
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