Dive Brief:
- Hyundai Motor America named Sean Gilpin its new chief marketing officer, effective Aug. 26, the automaker announced in a press release.
- Gilpin served as vice president of global sales marketing for Hyundai Motor Co. since July of last year. In his new role, he will report to Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor America.
- Gilpin replaced Angela Zepeda, who resigned from the company to take a new position outside of the automotive industry, according to Hyundai.
Dive Insight:
Prior to joining Hyundai Motor Co. last July, Gilpin spent nearly eight years at Innocean USA, Hyundai’s creative marketing partner agency, most recently as chief business officer. He also served as senior manager of retail marketing at Hyundai Motor America from March 2015 through October 2016.
In his new role, Gilpin will oversee Hyundai Motor America’s marketing strategy, creative execution, social, experiential marketing, multicultural marketing, media buying strategy, customer communications and financial management, according to the release. He also will retain his global responsibilities as VP of global sales marketing for Hyundai Motor Co.
“Sean is a talented marketing leader who has brought new thinking and strategies to our marketing and advertising,” Parker said in the press release. “There remains a tremendous opportunity to enhance consumer understanding of Hyundai’s innovation, mobility leadership and vision for the future of transportation.”
Zepeda was named CMO of Hyundai Motor America in October 2019 before being appointed chief creative officer in early August. She served in her new role for less than a month before resigning, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“I want to express my gratitude to Angela for her outstanding efforts that have significantly contributed to Hyundai’s business growth,” Parker said in the release.
The appointment of Gilpin as CMO comes as Hyundai grows U.S. sales, including for hybrid and electric vehicles.
In July, Hyundai Motor Co. reported Q2 revenue of 45 trillion won, a 6.6% year-over-year increase and the highest-ever quarterly mark in company history.
The automaker has also posted two consecutive quarters of double-digit growth in the hybrid vehicle segment in 2024, with electrified models accounting for nearly 20% of its total sales in Q2.
