Randy Parker Makes History: The Visionary CEO Leading Hyundai and Genesis North America

Jo-Carolyn Goode | 12/11/2024, 12:08 p.m.
Houston, we have a trailblazer to celebrate! Randy Parker, an industry powerhouse with a stellar track record, has been named …
Randy Parker Named Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America Rusty Hood

Houston, we have a trailblazer to celebrate! Randy Parker, an industry powerhouse with a stellar track record, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America, effective January 1, 2025. This historic move solidifies Parker’s influence in the automotive world while continuing his groundbreaking tenure as the first African American to lead a major OEM regional market.

Under his leadership, Hyundai Motor America has skyrocketed, with retail sales growth hitting all-time highs year after year. Now, Parker is revving up for an even bigger challenge: overseeing operations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, while also managing Hyundai’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in Alabama and Georgia.

Driving Excellence: Parker’s Rise to the Top

Randy Parker isn’t new to making waves. Since joining Hyundai in 2019 as Vice President of National Sales, he’s been a driving force behind the company’s meteoric rise. Promoted to Senior Vice President in 2021 and named CEO of Hyundai Motor America in 2022, Parker transformed the brand into one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., smashing sales records for three consecutive years.

His leadership style? A masterful blend of vision, adaptability, and a deep commitment to customer and dealer relationships. “It’s an honor to lead Hyundai and Genesis in North America and build on our growth trajectory,” Parker said. “We’re focused on delivering outstanding products, elevating the customer experience, and staying agile in a rapidly evolving market.”

Before Hyundai, Parker honed his skills at automotive giants like General Motors, GMAC, Nissan, and Infiniti, even spearheading global sales and marketing for Nissan’s Light Commercial Vehicles in Yokohama, Japan. With over three decades of experience, Parker’s resume reads like a roadmap to automotive excellence.

Texas Roots and Global Reach

A proud graduate of Texas Christian University, Parker’s Lone Star State roots are a point of pride. He also boasts executive management training from Harvard and Penn State, rounding out a portfolio that’s equal parts Texan grit and global savvy. In recent years, he’s been lauded as an industry leader, with accolades including Automotive News All-Star, Automotive Hall of Fame honoree, and Automotive News Champion of Diversity.

But Parker isn’t just about breaking barriers; he’s about building bridges—connecting communities, empowering teams, and driving Hyundai’s commitment to its global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’

Hyundai and Genesis: The Road Ahead

As CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America, Parker is steering the company into a future defined by innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled customer satisfaction. With Hyundai Motor North America’s 1,400 dealerships selling a staggering 1.3 million vehicles in 2023, the numbers speak for themselves. But for Parker, the mission is about more than just sales.

Hyundai’s cutting-edge R&D facilities, eco-conscious manufacturing plants, and ambitious goals for long-term growth reflect a company poised to lead the automotive industry into a new era. Parker’s leadership ensures this vision isn’t just a roadmap—it’s a reality in the making.

Houston, Take Note

Randy Parker’s story is one of determination, excellence, and community impact—a narrative that resonates deeply with Houston’s spirit of resilience and innovation. As he takes the wheel at Hyundai and Genesis North America, he’s not just making history; he’s shaping the future of an industry.

So, let’s celebrate this Texan trailblazer and watch as he accelerates Hyundai and Genesis to even greater heights. After all, when it comes to driving progress, Randy Parker is in the fast lane.

For more info, visit hyundainews.com