Ken Ramirez Appointed to Lead Central and South America Business at Hyundai Motor
January 6, 2021 by Ram•Seasoned automotive executive brings 30 years of international experience •Ramirez to oversee both Hyundai Motor Brazil and Central and South America Hyundai Motor Company has named Ken Ramirez the new president and CEO of both Hyundai Motor Brazil and Hyundai Motor Central and South America as the company continues to strengthen its regional leadership team. Ramirez joins Hyundai with 30 years of global automotive experience and reports to Hyundai Motor's Global COO and Head of the Americas region, José Muñoz. His appointment is effective immediately and he will initially be based out of the United States. 'Ken's deep international experience across Europe, the U.S., Japan, Mexico and Latin America makes him the perfect leader to expand our business in the important Central and South American markets,' said Mr. Muñoz. 'He has an impressive track record in bringing out the best in his teams and delivering profitable and sustainable growth. As Hyundai embarks on its transition to a global mobility solutions provider, Ken will be an integral part of our regional leadership team.' Ramirez comes to Hyundai from PSA Group, where he served as senior vice president, Sales and Marketing for Europe, overseeing the Group's flagship brand, Peugeot. Prior to PSA Group, Ramirez had a lengthy career at the Renault-Nissan Alliance, most recently serving as the senior vice president, Sales and Marketing for Nissan Europe. He joined the Alliance in 2002 and held various leadership roles, including managing director of Nissan Latin America and the Caribbean. At Renault, he was managing director of Renault UK before being appointed senior vice president of Europe and a member of the Renault Management Committee. 'Hyundai has a strong foundation in Central and South America, and I'm looking forward to growing the business even further,' said Ramirez. 'I've admired Hyundai's trajectory, product pipeline and significant technology investments and vision. I'm honored to lead the brand and excited for its tremendous potential in the region.' Ramirez has a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and had been an advisory counselor for the French Chamber of Commerce in the UK.
