[ THE INVESTOR ] Hyundai Motor has tapped a former senior federal official to lead the automaker’s Washington District of Columbia office, the company announced on Feb. 22 (local time).



David Kim has taken up the new post as the vice president of government affairs at the District office starting Feb. 21, succeeding Christopher Spear, who resigned last year.



“I am honored to have been selected to lead Hyundai’s Washington DC office,” said Kim in a statement released by the automaker. “As much of my career has been focused on transportation issues, I am eager to get to work for a company so focused on safety, innovation, and advanced technology. I look forward to having Hyundai engaged in these critical areas in federal and state policy discussions.”











Kim’s main responsibility includes leading Hyundai’s US government affairs practices at state and federal level. According to industry watchers, Hyundai likely appointed the ex-federal official to strengthen the communication channel with the US government under the new President Donald Trump, a strong advocate of trade protectionism.



Kim, prior to joining Hyundai, served as the deputy administrator at the Federal Highway Administration, the No. 2 position at the federal agency that specializes in highway transportation. Kim is a transportation export who took various posts at federal, state and local agencies, which include US Department of Transportation, Office of the US Trade Representative and Los Angeles Country Metro Authority.



“We are all very pleased to welcome David to the Hyundai team. His expertise in transportation policy and his demonstrated leadership will help guide Hyundai as we continue to expand our work in Washington and the states,” said Charlie Kim, vice president of Hyundai Motor. “David’s familiarity with the auto industry’s issues, his keen understanding of government affairs, and his strategic vision will make him an incredible asset to our company.”



By Ahn Sung-mi ( Kim’s main responsibility includes leading Hyundai’s US government affairs practices at state and federal level. According to industry watchers, Hyundai likely appointed the ex-federal official to strengthen the communication channel with the US government under the new President Donald Trump, a strong advocate of trade protectionism.Kim, prior to joining Hyundai, served as the deputy administrator at the Federal Highway Administration, the No. 2 position at the federal agency that specializes in highway transportation. Kim is a transportation export who took various posts at federal, state and local agencies, which include US Department of Transportation, Office of the US Trade Representative and Los Angeles Country Metro Authority.“We are all very pleased to welcome David to the Hyundai team. His expertise in transportation policy and his demonstrated leadership will help guide Hyundai as we continue to expand our work in Washington and the states,” said Charlie Kim, vice president of Hyundai Motor. “David’s familiarity with the auto industry’s issues, his keen understanding of government affairs, and his strategic vision will make him an incredible asset to our company.”By Ahn Sung-mi ( sahn@heraldcorp.com