Leadership

Brian Hallgren is the Senior Vice President at Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI), where he leads the Total Vehicle Development Groups. With over 20 years of industry experience and a passion for high-performance machines, Brian provides strategic leadership and innovative insights into vehicle engineering, testing and development, electrified propulsion systems, and program management.

He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, skiing, and boating with his family.

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Chahe Apelian, Director of Vehicle Test and Development group at Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc.  With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Chahe has developed a deep expertise in an expansive range of vehicle testing from vehicle dynamics, noise and vibration, drivability, extreme weather performance, to off-road capabilities.   Throughout Chahe’s career, he has made significant contributions to HATCI’s Vehicle Test and Development group by levering a strong background in both mechanical and aerospace engineering to drive innovation and improvements to his group.   

Chahe holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and an M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California.  Outside of work, Chahe enjoys activities that foster creativity and relaxation such as hiking, swimming, and cooking. 

Kyoung Pyo Ha is the Director at Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., where he leads the Electrified Propulsion Development Group and the Advanced Engineering Lab. With 26 years of experience in Propulsion System Development, Kyoung Pyo is passionate about driving propulsion technology that everyone dreams of but no one has achieved. 
Kyoung Pyo Ha holds a BA, MS, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul National University. 

Jerome Gregeois serves as the Director of Commercial Vehicles Development at Hyundai America Technical Center, where he leads engineering and planning for medium and heavy-duty vehicles tailored to the U.S. market. With over a decade of experience in developing groundbreaking zero-emission vehicles, including Hyundai’s first hybrid electric, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell electric models, he is a pioneer in sustainable transportation. As the former Chair of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership, he has also contributed to advancing refueling and recharging infrastructure. Passionate about environmental and safety innovation, Jerome combines technical expertise and visionary leadership to deliver cost-effective solutions for a greener and safer future 

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Daniel C. Roof is the Director of Accounting, Finance, and Purchasing at Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., where he oversees critical financial operations including tax planning, internal controls, and budget management. With 33 years of experience in the automotive industry, Dan brings a wealth of expertise in financial strategy and operational efficiency. 
Dan holds a BA from Central Michigan University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Outside of work, he enjoys a pursuing a balanced lifestyle by bowling and weightlifting. 

Joshua Vedder is the Vice President of the North American Quality Center (NAQC) where he leads the strategic oversight of quality field issues, processes, and resources to maximize support for HMA and KUS.  With 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, Joshua is passionate about driving continuous improvement, innovation, and data-driven execution to strengthen quality practices across North America. 

Joshua holds a B.S in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and is passionate about outdoor activities such as mountain biking and visiting the beach. 

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Hans Lapine is the Director of STUDIO-X .   With over 40 years of automotive design experience and a passion for high performance motorsport racing, Hans’ visionary design aesthetics provides strong leadership for Genesis motorsport/performance and concept vehicles.  Outside of work, Hans is an animal advocate who enjoys spending time with his family and can be found at the racetrack when his schedule allows.