Hyundai Motor America has announced that David Zuchowski, executive vice-president of Sales, will assume the position of president and CEO effective today.
Zuchowski, an auto industry veteran with extensive experience in dealer relations and field operations, joined Hyundai in 2007 and succeeds John Krafcik.
Under Krafcik’s tenure with the automaker, Hyundai Motor America has experienced dramatic increases in sales volume and market share, while garnering numerous industry awards. During the same time period, the model year 2009 Genesis and 2012 Elantra took top honors as North American Car of the Year, while numerous Hyundai models received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick designation.
“It’s been a sincere privilege and honour to lead Hyundai Motor America over the past five years, and I am confident that with Dave’s succession, our brand will continue to expand and thrive for years to come,” said Krafcik. “We have many of the best and brightest employees in the business coupled with a committed and talented dealer network that will continue to pay dividends.”
Prior to joining Hyundai, David Zuchowski worked at Mazda North America, where he served as vice-president of Sales and Field Operations. Zuchowski began his career in 1980 at Ford Motor Company, where he progressed through various executive-level positions including regional manager, product marketing manager, national merchandising manager and field operations manager for the Ford and Lincoln-Mercury divisions. “I am both humbled and excited to lead Hyundai Motor America into the next chapter by continuing to build on John’s great legacy, and focusing on what matters most — building the highest quality, safest and most diverse fleet of models that customers love,” said Zuchowski.
“Dave has consistently distinguished himself as a results-oriented and motivational leader in our industry,” said Im Tak Uk, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Company. “During his time at Hyundai, Dave has been instrumental in our growth, especially among our dealers. He exhibits a rare combination of passion, intelligence, creativity and diligence, and we are confident that he is the right choice to build on John’s momentum and take Hyundai to new and greater heights.”
