Hyundai Motor North America has hired Brian Latouf as its new chief safety officer, responsible for all safety regulation matters, strategic legal direction and oversight of all safety and emission investigations and recalls in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Latouf, who formerly worked for General Motors in a number of executive positions over the past 10 years, will report to Hyundai Motor Co. Global COO and Hyundai Motor North America President and CEO Jose Munoz.
“Brian is a proven and experienced leader who will be serving in a tremendously important role in our organization,” Munoz said. “The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance and we need someone with Brian’s skills to help guide us through the increasingly complex world of regulatory and safety matters.”
Latouf holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Windsor. He also is Six Sigma Black Belt certified and is a regular contributor to a variety of technical publications and presentations.
“Coming to Hyundai at this critical juncture in the company’s history is a challenging yet exciting opportunity,” said Latouf. “This clearly is a company going places and I’ve been impressed with the emphasis already being placed on safety at the consumer level but at the legal and regulatory level as well. I think I can bring a lot to the table as companies today are required to work more diligently and conscientiously through complex regulatory, safety and emissions matters. I can’t wait to get started.”
Hyundai vehicles are sold and served through more than 830 dealerships nationwide and nearly half of those sold in the U.S. are built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama currently builds the Santa Fe SUV, and Sonata and Elantra sedans. It recently was announced that the plant will begin building the Santa Cruz CUV in 2021.
