Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
Hyundai Motor Europe has named Xavier Martinet as its new President and CEO, succeeding Michael Cole, who will step down on the last day of the year, after a 15-year tenure with Hyundai Motor Group.
Martinet will officially assume the role on January 1, 2025, at HME’s headquarters in Offenbach, Germany.
In September, HME had appointed Andrea Crespi as Vice President of Sales & Service at its Offenbach headquarters.
Hyundai Motor Europe reported a 4.0% increase in sales for the first half of 2024, with 281,518 units registered across the EU, EFTA, and the U.K., according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).
The new chief executive has held various positions in Europe and the U.S. and began his career with Renault in 1997, serving as Sales & Marketing Assistant, and advanced through roles including Sales Manager, Managing Director of Renault Italia, and Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Dacia.
His most recent position was Senior Vice President for Commercial Services and Senior Vice President of Dacia’s Marketing, Sales & Operations.
Cole has led HME as President and CEO since July 2020. Before that, he served as President of Kia America, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe, and Managing Director of Kia UK. During his tenure at HME, Cole focused on strengthening Hyundai’s presence across Europe.
Crespi, who previously served as President of Hyundai Motor Company Italy (HMCI), was instrumental in expanding Hyundai’s market presence in Italy.
Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
