Hyundai has appointed former Nvidia and Samsung Electronics executive Junghyun Kwon to lead its Autonomous Driving Development Center, strengthening the group’s efforts to expand autonomous driving, software and artificial intelligence capabilities.
Kwon will oversee the development of autonomous driving technologies across Hyundai Group, covering the process from initial concept development through market launch. He will report to Minwoo Park, president and head of Hyundai’s Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division.
Former Nvidia Executive Brings AI And Autonomous Driving Experience
Kwon brings experience in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving software and robotics. He worked at Nvidia from 2018 to 2023, where he was involved in the development and commercialisation of autonomous driving software and perception technologies.
Among the publicly documented projects associated with his work is NVAutoNet, an AI-based perception network designed to use camera data to identify obstacles and drivable areas.
After leaving Nvidia, Kwon moved to Samsung Electronics, where he led intelligent robot development. His background across autonomous vehicles, AI and robotics is expected to support Hyundai’s efforts to integrate software and AI more deeply into future mobility products.
Hyundai views autonomous driving as an important part of its future mobility strategy and is developing its vision of “Physical AI” for autonomous mobility through internal development and partnerships with technology companies.
Hyundai Expands Software And AI Leadership
Kwon’s appointment follows a broader recruitment drive aimed at bringing technology-sector expertise into Hyundai’s software-defined vehicle and autonomous mobility operations.
The group previously appointed Dongwuk Kim as senior vice president and head of the SDV Platform Development Centre. Kim has experience at Apple and Tesla.
Hyundai also recruited Jeremy Ma as senior vice president and head of AVP Silicon Valley. His previous experience includes robotics and autonomous driving software development at Apple, the Toyota Research Institute and Nvidia.
The appointments form part of Hyundai Motor Group’s push toward a more software-centric vehicle architecture. In 2025, the group introduced its Pleos software platform and announced plans to achieve Level 2+ functionality by the end of 2027.
Level 2+ systems can perform advanced driving functions and temporarily control aspects of the vehicle, while drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control.
Nvidia Partnership Supports Autonomous Driving Strategy
Hyundai is also working with Nvidia to advance AI-powered vehicle technologies.
The companies expanded their collaboration in March, building on a partnership announced the previous year. The cooperation combines Hyundai’s expertise in software-defined vehicles with Nvidia’s AI technologies to support the development of advanced automated driving systems.
Hyundai is pursuing similar objectives through its partnership with Waymo in the United States.
The companies are working to integrate Waymo’s autonomous driving technology into Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles for robotaxi applications. The vehicles have yet to enter commercial robotaxi service.
Hyundai’s combination of executive recruitment, software development and partnerships with major AI and autonomous driving companies highlights the group’s strategy to make artificial intelligence and software central to its next generation of vehicles and mobility services.
