16.12.2019 Press release

Thomas A. Schmid to step down from COO role at Hyundai Motor Europe

  • Mr Schmid will leave the company at the end of December 2019
  • His significant contribution is recognised by Hyundai Motor management
  • He plans to spend more time with his family

Press material

Hyundai Motor has announced today that Thomas A. Schmid will leave his position as Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe at the end of this year.

After almost seven years at the European regional headquarters, including five years as COO, Mr Schmid will step down to spend more time with his family.


During his time with the company, he has overseen a number of significant milestones, including substantial sales volume growth and a consolidation of market share in an increasingly challenging industry. Other achievements include the successful launch of Hyundai’s first electrified models and the brand’s first high-performance cars wearing the ‘N’ logo. Moreover, he has helped to strengthen the relationship between the headquarters and the Hyundai subsidiaries and distributors in Europe, and he has introduced considerable operational improvements in processes and procedures.

We say farewell to Thomas with a mixture of sadness and gratitude, but most of all with good wishes for a happy future. He has helped to drive Hyundai to a stronger position in Europe, in terms of sales results and operational enhancements, and we are very grateful for his substantial contribution. He has had a long and successful career with Hyundai and the wider group, from which I am sure he will take many happy memories.

Dongwoo Choi President of Hyundai Motor Europe

I am very grateful for the opportunities that have come to me throughout my years with Hyundai. Not only have I been involved in probably the most exciting time in the company’s impressive history in Europe. But I have also been very lucky to work with talented colleagues and excellent business partners, and I thank them all for their support and commitment over the years. The decision to leave was not at all easy to take, but I am looking forward to being with my family.

Thomas A. Schmid Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe

At the end of 2012, Hyundai had recorded annual sales in Europe of around 430,000 cars, according to data from the industry body ACEA. Mr Schmid joined the company in May 2013 and, during his tenure, volume had grown to more than 540,000 units by the end of 2018. Within the last two years Hyundai has introduced two commercially-successful and highly-acclaimed new models in Europe under the N sub-brand: i30 N and i30 Fastback N. Hyundai has also seen major progress in the field of electrification, launching pioneering new cars such as the IONIQ family, the Kona Electric and the fuel-cell powered NEXO – all offering zero-emission solutions on the road.


Further organisational announcements following the departure of Mr Schmid will be made in due course.

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