- Hyundai Motor Company executives José Muñoz, SangYup Lee and Claudia Márquez were recognized for leadership and achievements in the global auto industry, design and business operations
DETROIT, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Company executives José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, SangYup Lee, executive vice president and Head of Hyundai and Genesis global design, Hyundai Motor Company, and Claudia Márquez, COO, Hyundai Motor North America, have been recognized as 2026 Automotive News All Stars for their leadership and achievements in moving the automotive industry during a period of significant change and transformation.
José Muñoz | All-Star Global Automaker Executive
Muñoz was named a 2026 Automotive News All-Star in the Global Automaker Executive category in recognition of his leadership in helping Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) become the world’s third largest automaker. A strong advocate for investing in new technologies and strategic alliances, Muñoz has a long track record of navigating complex challenges across the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
Under his leadership, Hyundai and Genesis have continued a product renaissance marked by strong sales, increased market share, improved dealer profitability and industry recognition. Muñoz has also helped advance Hyundai Motor Group’s significant expansion in the U.S., including its planned $26 billion investment from 2025 through 2028, which includes expanded vehicle production and a new steel mill in Louisiana. Additionally, he’s helped unlock and expand new business opportunities with companies like Amazon, Waymo, General Motors and others.
“On behalf of all our employees around the world, thank you to Automotive News for this honor, I am deeply humbled to receive this incredible honor from Automotive News in recognition of Hyundai’s global success,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. “Thank you to our Executive Chair, Euisun Chung, whose ambition sets the direction for all of us. And our dealers, who are with our customers every day and earn their trust one visit at one time. All of it is in service of delivering vehicles our customers love, and treating them as honored guests throughout their ownership experience. It’s a great time to be with Hyundai Motor Company.”
SangYup Lee | All-Star Design Executive
SangYup Lee, executive vice president and head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Center, Hyundai Motor Company, was recognized as a 2026 Automotive News All-Star in the U.S. in the Design executive category, highlighting his leadership of Hyundai and Genesis design success worldwide. Lee’s tenure at Hyundai Motor Company has been defined by enhancing the design competitiveness of both Hyundai and Genesis vehicles leading to historic sales growth.
Under Lee’s design leadership, the company has announced plans for its first body-on-frame vehicle to compete in the popular midsize pickup segment in the U.S. The Boulder concept body-on-frame truck is one of 36 new and enhanced Hyundai vehicles targeted for North America by 2030. Lee has successfully shaped the company’s design strategies and direction delivering bold, striking exterior and interior designs.
“Being named an Automotive News All-Star in Design is both humbling and deeply rewarding,” said SangYup Lee, executive vice president and head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, Hyundai Motor Company. “At Hyundai and Genesis, we believe it is our responsibility as designers to challenge ourselves to better understand our customers and to design vehicles that add meaningful value to their lives. It guides our work, shapes our decisions, and inspires us to keep innovating. I share this recognition with every designer and engineer who helps bring that commitment to life, and with the leaders who continue to support our vision.”
Claudia Márquez | All-Star Business Operations Executive
Claudia Márquez, COO, Hyundai Motor America was recognized by Automotive News All-Star in the Business Operations executive category. Márquez leads Hyundai’s U.S. business operations and directs the company’s customer-focused growth strategies.
Márquez has been a champion of improving customer satisfaction in the retail experience, through strong collaboration with the dealer body. She also helps guide Hyundai’s flexible product strategy providing consumers choice of ICE, EV and hybrids that have led to five consecutive years of record retail sales performance through 2025 in the United States.
“This award means a lot to me. It’s recognition for the work I’m most passionate about: making sure our dealers have what they need to succeed and that our customers get the quality they deserve,” said Claudia Márquez, COO, Hyundai Motor America. “It’s been a challenging year with so much uncertainty and change in our industry, but seeing Hyundai’s team remain agile and bold through it all? That’s what I’m most proud of. This recognition reflects our collective effort.”
The Automotive News All-Star Awards are among the most prestigious recognitions in the global automobile industry, honoring approximately 35 to 40 individuals each year for their transformative contributions. The awards celebrate executives, engineers, designers and other leaders whose work is helping drive innovation and shaping the future of mobility. who are driving innovation and advancing the industry.
Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.
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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
