Hyundai Appoints Alex Kim as New CEO for Turkey Operations
YongJin Alex Kim has been named CEO of Hyundai Motor Turkey, taking over from Sangsu Kim after his return to South Korea.
Elena Whitmore 
Longtime Hyundai Leader Takes Over in Turkey
Hyundai Motor Company has announced a leadership transition at its Turkish operations, naming YongJin Alex Kim as the new CEO. The move follows the departure of Sangsu Kim, who led the Turkish branch since 2021 and will now continue his work with the company in South Korea.
The appointment reflects Hyundai's ongoing strategy of rotating leadership across regions, often selecting seasoned executives from within the organization. With a career spanning 30 years at Hyundai, Alex Kim brings extensive international and strategic experience to the role.
A Career Shaped by Global Leadership
A graduate of Hanyang University in South Korea, where he studied mechanical engineering, YongJin Alex Kim has held several key leadership roles across the company’s global branches. He previously served as CEO of Hyundai Motor Slovakia and Hyundai Motor Czech Republic, overseeing operations in Europe's growing automotive hubs.
In 2020, he was appointed Vice President of Business Strategy at Hyundai Motor Europe, followed by a high-level role as Vice President of Global Sales at the company’s headquarters. His latest appointment in Turkey is seen as a continuation of this international trajectory within the brand.
Hyundai Turkey’s Role in the Automotive Landscape
Since its establishment in 1997, Hyundai Motor Turkey has played a significant part in the country's automotive industry. The company has produced over three million vehicles to date, contributing to national employment, boosting exports, and supporting the local economy.
The Turkish operations are viewed as a strategic base in Hyundai's European manufacturing and sales network. With Alex Kim at the helm, the company is expected to maintain its regional presence while aligning with global production and market strategies.
As the new CEO assumes his role, the transition underscores Hyundai's emphasis on continuity, internal promotion, and leveraging global expertise in managing its diverse markets.
