Xavier Martinet is a seasoned French automotive executive and the President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe. He assumed the role on January 1, 2025, succeeding Michael Cole. With more than 27 years of experience in the automotive industry, Martinet brings extensive expertise across sales, marketing, commercial operations, customer experience, brand management and international business.
Xavier Martinet began his automotive career at Renault in 1997 as a Sales & Marketing Assistant. Over the course of his 27-year career with Renault Group, he held increasingly senior positions across Europe and the United States, including Sales Manager at Renault Retail Group, Managing Director of Renault Italia, and Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Dacia. His most recent Renault Group responsibilities included Senior Vice President of Commercial Services and Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sales & Operations for the Dacia brand.
At Renault, Martinet developed broad experience across automotive sales, marketing strategy, retail operations, dealer networks and customer-focused business development. His international assignments helped him build a strong understanding of diverse European markets and the changing needs of automotive customers.
As President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, Xavier Martinet is responsible for the company’s operations and growth across the European market. His leadership comes at an important stage for Hyundai as the automotive industry accelerates its transition toward electrification, connected mobility, new technologies and diverse powertrain solutions.
Under his leadership, Hyundai Motor Europe reported 603,542 passenger-car registrations in 2025, representing a 4.2% market share. Electrified passenger-car sales increased by 24%, while Hyundai is preparing to introduce five all-new models in Europe over an 18-month period and plans to offer electrified powertrains across its model range by 2027.
Xavier Martinet has also been closely involved in strengthening Hyundai’s European product and brand strategy. His current focus includes responding to changing customer expectations, expanding electric mobility, strengthening Hyundai’s dealer and distributor network, and supporting the company’s long-term growth across European markets.
With extensive experience spanning Renault, Dacia and Hyundai Motor Europe, Xavier Martinet brings a strong combination of commercial leadership, automotive strategy, customer experience, brand development and international market expertise. His leadership continues to contribute to Hyundai’s transformation and growing presence in the European automotive industry.
