Hyundai Motor named Jose Munoz, current U.S. chief and global chief operating officer, as its new chief executive officer on Friday, marking a rare appointment of a foreign national to the top post at a major South Korean conglomerate.

Hyundai Motor appointed Jose Munoz as its new president and chief executive, making him the first non-Korean leader of the auto giant.

Hyundai Motor will name Jose Munoz, the current global chief operating officer, as its new chief executive officer later on Friday, a news report said, citing unnamed industry sources. If confirmed, it will be a rare appointment of a foreign national to the top post of a major conglomerate in South Korea,

Hyundai Motor Co. named Jose Munoz as chief executive officer, making him the first foreigner to lead the South Korean automaker as it seeks to grow outside its home country.

Hyundai Motor Co. on Friday promoted Jose Munoz, the company's global chief operating officer (COO), as its new CEO, appointing a foreign national to the top post for the first time since its foundation more than five decades ago.