Hyundai Italia: change at the top. Francesco Colonnese appointed as the new chairman and CEO
The manager, who has worked for FCA and the Chery Group in Spain, will lead the Korean brand in Italy as it undergoes a range revamp. He will also take charge of the Genesis premium brand for the domestic market
Hyundai Italia has announced the appointment of Francesco Colonnese as its new chairman and CEO, with effect from 9 November. Colonnese will report to Xavier Martinet, Chairman and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, taking the helm of Hyundai’s Italian subsidiary following the interim period during which Andrea Crespi, Vice-President of Sales and Service at Hyundai Motor Europe, was in charge. The new CEO will lead Hyundai Italia through a crucial phase aimed at strengthening the brand’s position in the Italian market. Over the coming months, the brand will refresh its range with the launch of key models, focused on innovation and one of the most comprehensive powertrain line-ups. He will also be responsible for the Genesis premium brand in the Italia market, with the aim of supporting and consolidating its expansion.
The three core priorities
The mandate entrusted to the new CEO is based on three priorities: strengthening the partnership with dealers, starting with the profitability of the dealer network; building healthy and sustainable growth, centred on end customers and the long-term value of the cars; And to recognise the value of the people at Hyundai Italia – a talented and experienced team called upon to play a leading role in this new phase. The network of Italian dealerships is at the heart of this vision, both as a strategic partner and as the first point of contact with customers. For this reason, during the first few weeks of his tenure, Colonnese will meet dealers across the country in person and listen to the staff at Hyundai Italia. These discussions will form the basis for the strategic and commercial guidelines that will be shared with the sales network in early 2027.
International experience
A manager with 15 years’ experience gained in multinational organisations across the automotive, financial and entertainment sectors, Francesco Colonnese has built his career by holding roles of increasing responsibility. Whilst at FCA, from late 2019, he led B2B operations in Spain, before taking charge of Alfa Romeo in Spain. At Stellantis, he headed up Lancia’s European business development, contributing to the brand’s international relaunch and building its sales network and sales force across six European markets. Since early 2024, he has helped launch models such as the Omoda and Jaecoo from the Chery Group onto the Iberian market, leading commercial operations in Spain and subsequently serving as Vice-President for Iberia – the first non-Chinese manager in the Chery Group
