Ex-US Congressman Drew Ferguson to head Hyundai's Washington office

Hyundai Motor Group has appointed former Republican Congressman Drew Ferguson as head of its Washington office, a strategic move designed to bolster the South Korean automaker’s influence in its most important overseas market.

Ferguson, who represented Georgia’s 3rd congressional district for four terms until leaving office in 2023, will assume the role on May 1, Hyundai said in a statement on Tuesday.

He will be tasked with overseeing Hyundai’s engagement with the US federal government and Congress as the company navigates a shifting policy landscape shaped by trade tensions and the Trump administration's new industrial policy.

In the newly created position, he will oversee all of the automotive group’s government affairs and lobbying activity in the US, consolidating responsibilities previously shared by representatives of Hyundai Motor Co. and affiliate Kia Corp.

TO DEEPEN POLITICAL NETWORKS IN WASHINGTON

The appointment underscores Hyundai’s intention to deepen its political networks in Washington at a time when US industrial strategy is undergoing a profound realignment.

A key supporter of the Trump administration’s agenda during its first term, Ferguson brings both insider knowledge of legislative processes and longstanding ties to the manufacturing heartland of the American South – including Georgia, home to Hyundai’s $5.5 billion electric vehicle and battery complex, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA).

“Ferguson’s deep understanding of US policymaking and his familiarity with Hyundai’s investments in Georgia make him a natural choice to lead the company’s Washington office,” said a person familiar with the appointment. “He is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the group’s engagement in next-generation mobility sectors such as robotics and urban air mobility.”

Hyundai previously relied on Robert Hood, former assistant secretary of defense for legislative affairs, and Christopher Wenk, a former senior policy official at the US Chamber of Commerce, to split its US lobbying duties between Hyundai and Kia.

SEASONED POLITICIAN WHO KNOWS BUSINESS

The move also comes as tensions over tariffs and industrial policy continue to simmer between Washington and key trading partners, raising the stakes for foreign manufacturers with a significant US footprint.

During his time in Congress from 2017 to 2024, Ferguson served as the House Republican chief deputy whip, helping to coordinate the party’s legislative strategy.

He was also an active member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, chairing the Subcommittee on Social Security, and held roles on the Budget Committee and the Joint Economic Committee.

His political tenure followed a career in local government, including two terms as mayor of West Point, Georgia.

OTHER NON-KOREAN EXECUTIVES AT HYUNDAI

Hyundai’s decision to appoint a seasoned political figure to its US leadership team comes as global automakers adjust to a rapidly changing regulatory environment – from EV tax credit eligibility to cross-border trade policies.

Last November, Hyundai Motor named José Muñoz, global chief operating officer and head of its North and South American operations, as the automaker’s first non-Korean CEO.

Hyundai has also hired Sung Kim, former US Special Representative for North Korea Policy, as an advisor for the automotive group.

In a related move, Hyundai Mobis Co., an auto parts affiliate of Hyundai Motor, tapped James Kim, who previously worked as GM Korea CEO and serves as the chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), as an outside director.

Write to In-Soo Nam at isnam@hankyung.com

Jennifer Nicholson-Breen edited this article.