Renault Veteran Xavier Martinet to Head Hyundai Europe

Renault’s long-serving senior executive Xavier Martinet is to become the next president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe as its present chief Michael Cole retires after 15 years with the company.

Martinet, who takes over the role in the New Year, will be based at the automaker’s headquarters in Offenbach, Germany.

He brings more than 27 years of experience in the automotive industry starting at Renault as a sales and marketing assistant in 1997 and held multiple positions of increasing responsibility.

His roles at the French automaker group included work as sales manager, managing director of Renault Italia and senior vice president and chief marketing officer with Dacia. His most recent position at Dacia was senior vice president, commercial services and senior vice president, marketing sales and operations.

Hyundai’s president and global chief operating officer, Jose Munoz, says: “We are pleased to have someone with Xavier’s depth of European experience and proven leadership joining the Hyundai team.”

Martinet responds: “I am excited to join Hyundai Motor, an automotive industry leader in technology and innovation. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the great teams at Hyundai Motor Europe and will strive to further enhance sustainable growth, delivering exceptional customer satisfaction with the support of our dealers and importer partners.”