Hyundai Motor Company has appointed Naomi Fudo as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Mobility Japan with immediate effect. The appointment marks a key executive transition for the South Korean vehicle manufacturer as it expands its electrification operations in Japan.
Ms Fudo takes over leadership from Toshiyuki Shimegi, who stepped down on 31 July 2026 after heading the unit since January 2025. Mr Shimegi will stay with the firm as an advisor through December 2026 to assist with the handover. During his tenure, he strengthened sales operations, improved brand recognition and built partnerships with local government authorities.
The new chief executive joins from Volvo Car Japan, where she served as the business’s first female president. She started her career in the United States technology sector before holding senior positions in the financial industry and moving into automotive management.
Speaking on her appointment, Ms Fudo said: “I am deeply honored to assume the role of President and CEO of Hyundai Mobility Japan. Hyundai leads in electrification and hydrogen solutions while continually redefining mobility. In Japan, we are committed to becoming a trusted brand by strengthening brand value, enhancing customer experience, and building a sustainable business foundation. We will foster an organization where every employee reaches their full potential, enabling us to create a new chapter of growth together with our customers and partners.”
Hyundai re-entered the Japanese market in 2022 with a portfolio focused on zero-emission vehicles, including battery electric and fuel cell models. The company aims to accelerate its One ZEV Strategy across both passenger and commercial vehicles.
Its passenger lineup includes the IONIQ 5, KONA, IONIQ 5 N, INSTER and NEXO models. In the commercial vehicle sector, the firm supplies the ELEC CITY TOWN electric city bus to assist local communities with public transport decarbonisation.
The company plans to develop its direct-to-consumer sales model into a broader customer experience covering research, purchase, ownership, after-sales support and repurchase. Long-term plans include expanding ownership support through Hyundai Premium Care and introducing software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving systems and smart mobility services for private and commercial clients.
