2009 JAMES A. VAN FLEET AWARD 

CHUNG MONG-KOO
Chairman
Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group

CITATION

Chairman Chung Mong-Koo exemplifies the visionary leadership, innovative spirit, and global perspective that are the hallmarks of the world’s finest corporate leaders.

As chairman and chief executive officer of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Chairman Chung oversees one of the world’s most successful automobile manufacturers. He has made his company the world’s fifth largest automaker by applying the hands-on management style and attention to quality that form the core of his leadership philosophy.

The United States has been a major beneficiary of his firm’s global expansion. Today, some 20,000 Americans are employed in Hyundai-Kia’s production, sales, and development relatedoperations throughout the United States and this number is expected to grow. Hyundai-Kia’s commitment to the U.S. market and to its American workers underscores the deepening links between the American and Korean economies.

In recognition of the leadership that has made Hyundai-Kia one of the world’s most successful firms; for the important contribution his company is making to the strengthening of U.S.-ROK economic ties; and in appreciation of the major role he has played in supporting The Korea Society’s growth and development, we are honored to present Chairman Chung Mong-Koo with the 2009 Van Fleet Award.