Hyundai Motor Group Appoints Ben Diachun as Chief Technology Officer for Urban Air Mobility Division
Hyundai Motor Group announced the appointment of Ben Diachun as the new chief technology officer for its Urban Air Mobility Division, effective immediately. Diachun, with over 20 years of experience in aerospace, aims to advance the Division's technology strategy to bring Hyundai's urban air mobility vehicles to market by 2028. Previously, he served as CEO at Opener and president at Scaled Composites, contributing to the development of 16 groundbreaking aerospace vehicles. His leadership is viewed as essential for integrating UAM technology into existing mobility infrastructure.
- Ben Diachun's appointment brings 20 years of aerospace experience, which may enhance technological advancements in urban air mobility.
- His track record of developing groundbreaking aircraft indicates potential innovative design and engineering improvements for Hyundai's UAM vehicles.
- The target to bring UAM vehicles to market by 2028 may face significant challenges given the competitive and regulatory environment.
- Diachun's transition to Hyundai could result in continuity concerns, especially if his previous team is not integrated effectively.
- Aerospace start-up veteran to lead Division's growing R&D and engineering operation, lead technological innovation
- Diachun brings 20 years of experience in building sustainable high-growth companies and helping develop revolutionary aerospace vehicles
SEOUL, South Korea and WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) announced today the appointment of Ben Diachun as the chief technology officer of its Urban Air Mobility Division (the Division), effective immediately.
Diachun will report to Jaiwon Shin, President at Hyundai Motor Group and Head of Urban Air Mobility Division and will develop the Division's technology strategy and vision with the goal of bringing Hyundai's urban air mobility (UAM) to market by 2028.
"We are excited to welcome Ben to Hyundai Motor Group as chief technology officer of our Urban Air Mobility Division," President Shin said. "His track record of building groundbreaking aircrafts as well as agile, collaborative and diverse teams is critical to our mission to develop the best and most innovative design for our UAM vehicle."
Diachun will work closely with other members of the Division leadership team to ensure the UAM industry — from the technology to the surrounding policy, infrastructure and operations — is inclusive, accessible and seamlessly integrated in existing mobility infrastructure and across a broad range of communities.
"I have been fascinated by technology and air travel since I was a child and am thrilled to put my experience to work at the Urban Air Mobility Division," Diachun said. "With an incredibly talented team and the manufacturing expertise of Hyundai Motor Group, we are well positioned to transform the human travel experience. I am honored to join this group and am excited for what we will accomplish together."
Diachun brings 20 years of engineering and executive leadership experience to the Division. Most recently, he served as CEO and president at Opener, an aerospace startup in Palo Alto, California. He was also the president at Scaled Composites, LLC, an aerospace manufacturing company known for creating revolutionary new aircraft and spacecraft, in Mojave, California. At Scaled Composites, Diachun also held senior-level technology roles prior to becoming president.
Over the course of his career, Diachun helped develop 16 groundbreaking aerospace vehicles, including SpaceShipOne, the first commercial manned spaceship, and BlackFly, an electric personal air vehicle.
Diachun earned a master's degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Experimental Aircraft Association and is an industry advisor to Purdue University's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group's mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
More information about Hyundai Motor Group, please see: www.hyundaimotorgroup.com
Disclaimer: Hyundai Motor Group believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
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SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group
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