Toronto, Ontario — Hyundai North America has a new chief safety officer—Brian K. Latouf will now be responsible for all of the automaker’s North American safety regulation matters including recalls, emissions and safety investigations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Latouf will officially begin the new role on Dec. 2 and will report to Jose Munoz, Hyundai Global COO and president of the automaker’s North American branch.
“Brian is a proven and experienced leader who will be serving in a tremendously important role in our organization,” said Munoz. “I’m delighted we are adding someone of his capabilities to our leadership team. The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance and we need someone with Brian’s skills to help guide us through the increasingly complex world of regulatory and safety matters.”
Latouf previously worked at General Motors for 14 years, where he filled a variety of positions, including global safety centre director and director of the Canadian Regional Engineering Centre in Oshawa, Ont. He holds a master of science degree in bioengineering from Wayne State University, as well as a bachelor’s in medical engineering from Ontario’s University of Windsor.
“Coming to Hyundai at this critical juncture in the company’s history is a challenging yet exciting opportunity,” said Latouf. “This clearly is a company going places and I’ve been impressed with the emphasis already being placed on safety at the consumer level, but at the legal and regulatory level as well. I think I can bring a lot to the table as companies today are required to work more diligently and conscientiously through complex regulatory, safety and emissions matters. I can’t wait to get started.”
