Former Fountain Valley-based Genesis Motor America Inc. COO Erwin Raphael has a new gig as chief cost optimization officer.
He assumes the position of a newly erected group by Fountain Valley-based Hyundai Motor North America Inc. that’s aimed at creating operational efficiencies across the businesses.
The new division, called the Cost Optimization Committee, pulls executives from Hyundai’s Alabama manufacturing arm, Genesis and Hyundai’s technical groups, alongside Hyundai U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Raphael reports to Hyundai Motor North America’s President and CEO José Muñoz, who said in a statement, the position will “create a new level of integration across all of Hyundai’s organizations in North America that will result in better business and financial performance.”
Genesis, which in October hired Mark Del Rosso as North American CEO, has not announced a replacement for Raphael as COO of the luxury automaker, a spokesperson confirmed.
