Hyundai Motor Group CCO named Disruptor Designer of the Year

Hyundai Motor Group Chief Creative Officer (CCO) Luc Donckerwolke was awarded the Disruptor Designer of the Year at the inaugural World’s Greatest Auto Disruptors 2023, held Tuesday by the New York-based weekly magazine Newsweek.

The award selects nine figures or groups that brought innovative and creative changes to the automotive industry.

Donckerwolke won the award for his contribution to overseeing Hyundai’s brands — Hyundai, Kia and Genesis — and their transition to mobility, urban air travel and robotics, the company said.

The CCO was lauded for instigating creative and idea-pushing designs, as well as for his work utilizing concept cars in traditional ways, albeit with untraditional designs, to preview the future of the brands, while other companies have seemingly left the practice behind.

“I feel honored and privileged to be acknowledged as a Newsweek disruptor,” Donckerwolke said at the awards ceremony held at the One World Trade Center in New York.

“I strive to inspire, innovate, disrupt and challenge the status quo. This is only made possible by the trust of our board members and the hard work of my incredibly talented team and their leaders.”

Newsweek also recognized the marketing activities of Genesis House New York, a flagship luxury lifestyle destination under the Hyundai Motor Group brand, as Disruptor Marketing of the Year.

Last year, Hyundai Motor Group’s Executive Chair Euisun Chung was recognized as “Visionary of the Year” at the inaugural event.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]