Hyundai president appointed Hydrogen Council co-chair

The Hydrogen Council says Hyundai Motor Company president and chief executive Jaehoon Chang is its new co-chair, joining Linde chief executive Sanjiv Lamba.

The two co-chairs will work closely with member chief executives as the council focuses on unlocking demand for hydrogen and creating a framework for global trade and accelerated investment.

A founding member, Hyundai has been at the forefront of hydrogen momentum for nearly half of the company’s existence, achieving many firsts, including the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell electric passenger and heavy-duty vehicles (FCEVs), holding the world’s top-selling record, says Hyundai.

“The Hydrogen Council is a crucial initiative in our global energy transition effort,” says Chang who takes over from Yoshinori Kanehana, Kawasaki Heavy Industries chairman, who served as co-chair during the past 2.5 years and aims to support the council’s efforts as a member.

Lamba says Chang’s vision and experience will be invaluable as the Hydrogen Council navigates opportunities and challenges in advancing hydrogen as a cornerstone of the clean energy future.

Hydrogen Council chief executive Ivana Jemelkova says it is at a pivotal moment for the hydrogen industry.

“Our collective efforts are vital in accelerating hydrogen as a viable climate solution, and I am excited to work alongside leaders such as Jaehoon Chang and Sanjiv Lamba and their strong teams to drive this mission forward.”

The leadership change was at the Hydrogen Council’s recent annual CEO event in Berlin where more than 200 chief executives and senior executives from the world’s leading businesses and investors in hydrogen gathered to take stock of progress, discuss practical solutions, and demonstrate a renewed commitment to collaboration.