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
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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
###