Hyundai Taps Mike O'Brien to Head Product and Corporate Planning

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Jun 29, 2010, 06:00 ET

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced that Michael J. O'Brien will return to the Hyundai team as vice president of product and corporate planning. O'Brien has spent the last 14 years at Toyota Motor Sales as a corporate manager within the corporate planning division. Prior to this, he worked at Hyundai Motor America from 1987 to 1996 in key product planning, parts and marketing roles, including managing Hyundai's ProRally motorsports program. In his new position, O'Brien will guide the continued development and expansion of Hyundai's model lineup and also lead business planning and corporate strategy efforts. He will report to President and CEO John Krafcik.

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"It's great to have Mike O'Brien back on the Hyundai team," said Krafcik. "Mike's a real car guy with strong technical credentials, yet he's also a smart and passionate business leader. That's a rare skill set, and we're delighted to have Mike leading our product and strategic functions at Hyundai Motor America."

In addition to his experience at Toyota and Hyundai, O'Brien has held key positions in marketing, product planning and field operations with Nissan Motor Corporation and Ford Motor Company.

O'Brien earned his Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and business administration from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He is an avid recreational pilot, currently flying a restored French fighter jet in various exhibitions on the West Coast.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through about 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America