Korea's "new" Western Team
Hyundai Motor’s promotion of former BMW executive Albert Biermann to lead its R&D division has gained considerable media attention as well as accolades. The move makes him the first non-Korean to hold the key R&D position at the family-run company.
It's seen by many as "shaking things up" with the adding of more non-Korean executives to the ranks of a major Korea Group.
So, too, former Bentley design chief, Luc Donckerwolke now heads the Hyundai Motor Group Design Center-- overseeing the vehicle designs for both Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors. And, Thomas Schemera, also a former BMW executive, was appointed to lead product planning for autonomous cars, connected and electrified vehicles.
In all cases, I feel the promotions reflect a positive direction for Korea.
What may be little known is Hyundai has a history of seeking out western talent. My 2013 story set in the 1970s shares the first westerner in a key position, Bill Swank, Sr., who gained the trust and confidence of Hyundai's Founder and their leadership.
The article was published just prior to Bill's passing.
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130729000587
Don
###
It's seen by many as "shaking things up" with the adding of more non-Korean executives to the ranks of a major Korea Group.
So, too, former Bentley design chief, Luc Donckerwolke now heads the Hyundai Motor Group Design Center-- overseeing the vehicle designs for both Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors. And, Thomas Schemera, also a former BMW executive, was appointed to lead product planning for autonomous cars, connected and electrified vehicles.
In all cases, I feel the promotions reflect a positive direction for Korea.
What may be little known is Hyundai has a history of seeking out western talent. My 2013 story set in the 1970s shares the first westerner in a key position, Bill Swank, Sr., who gained the trust and confidence of Hyundai's Founder and their leadership.
The article was published just prior to Bill's passing.
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130729000587
Don
###
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