Departing Park Han-woo: "Now is the time for change, please make it 'New Kia'"

Kia Motors President Han-woo Park is delivering a greeting at the Kia 'The K9 Press Conference' held on the 3rd at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Han-woo Park, Advisor of Kia Motors, who stepped down from the position of president, expressed his thoughts, saying, "It was a long but rewarding, difficult yet heartwarming time."

According to the automotive industry on the 31st, Advisor Park stated in his retirement message sent to employees the day before, "I sincerely thank all the executives and employees of Hyundai Motor Group and Kia Motors who supported me so that I could safely complete the voyage amid rough waves and strong winds."

Advisor Park was appointed as an advisor through Hyundai Motor Group personnel on the 27th and retired on the 31st. His successor is Ho-sung Song, Head of Kia Motors' Global Business Division.

He said, "It feels like just yesterday when I received my first paycheck after joining the company and was able to repay my student loan, but three decades have passed," adding, "I feel truly fortunate to have continued my career for 37 years and 4 months until today."

He continued, "Earlier this year, at Kia Investor Day, I revealed the roadmap to transform Kia into an electric vehicle and mobility company through Kia's future strategy 'Plan S,' which involves completely renewing corporate culture, BI, CI, DI, and all related aspects," emphasizing, "Now is the starting point to move forward as 'New Kia' through execution."

Advisor Park said, "Just as I have lifelong nostalgia for the food my mother used to make when I was young, even if I leave, I will always be a Hyundai-Kia man," and added, "If we all expect the best but prepare well for the worst, I believe that just as Hyundai-Kia Motors has overcome numerous adversities and trials so far, we will also be able to overcome all current difficulties."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.