The Hydrogen Council has appointed Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, as its new Co-Chair alongside Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde. This announcement marks Hyundai’s continued commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies and fostering a global hydrogen economy.
Chang succeeds Yoshinori Kanehana of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., and follows Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung in leading the Hydrogen Council. His appointment underscores Hyundai’s longstanding dedication to hydrogen innovation, dating back to the establishment of its Fuel Cell research division in 1998.
Hyundai Motor has achieved significant milestones in hydrogen technology, including the development of an independent fuel cell stack in 2004 and the world’s first mass-produced Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the Tucson ix35 FCEV, in 2013. The company further solidified its leadership with the introduction of the NEXO, the first dedicated FCEV, in 2018, and the XCIENT Fuel Cell heavy-duty truck in 2020.
At CES 2024, Hyundai Motor outlined its expanded HTWO brand, encompassing the entire hydrogen value chain from production to utilization. This initiative underscores Hyundai’s proactive role in shaping the future of clean energy solutions globally.
In his new role, Chang will collaborate closely with Hydrogen Council member CEOs to stimulate international trade and accelerate investments in hydrogen infrastructure. His leadership aims to propel innovation in the hydrogen sector and advocate for sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.
“I am honored to be appointed as Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council,” said Jaehoon Chang. “Hyundai Motor remains committed to driving the adoption of hydrogen technologies worldwide and contributing to a sustainable energy transition.”
Chang’s appointment reflects Hyundai Motor’s strategic vision to lead in advancing hydrogen ecosystems and underscores its pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility and energy.
