Hyundai Motor Group on Monday promoted 368 staff at the executive level of 25 affiliates, highlighting the company’s globalization strategy as well as its new standalone premium sedan brand, the Genesis. 

“The promotion is designed to beef up our core competitiveness in future technologies, quality and brands, to become the global market leader,” a Hyundai spokesman said.

The company appointed Luc Donckerwolke as the head of Hyundai Design Center, and Manfred Fitzgerald as the senior vice president in charge of strategy design for the Genesis. Both will start in their new positions from Jan. 2.

Former Bentley designer Donckerwolke will succeed current president and chief design officer Peter Schreyer, who has said he plans to retire, in fine-tuning the company’s design philosophy, including that of the new Genesis. Former Lamborghini brand strategist Fitzgerald is also expected to direct marketing, events, promotion and the dealers’ network establishment strategy to put the Genesis on the global luxury automotive map.

Meanwhile, two women ― Lee Joo-yeon at Hyundai Capital and Ahn Hyun-joo at Hyundai Motor ― were among those promoted. “We will continuously break the barriers and seek the best performers,” a spokesperson said.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)