Hyundai Australia Names Don Romano as New CEO and APAC Region Advisor

Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) has appointed Don Romano as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective from 10 March 2025. Romano will also serve as an advisor for Hyundai Motor's Asia & Pacific region.

Romano previously served as CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada (HAC), where he was involved in the company's growth, achieving sales of 138,755 vehicles in 2024. During his tenure, Hyundai's Canadian market share increased from 7.3% to 8.2%.

He oversaw the introduction of the Genesis brand in Canada through an agency sales model in 2016. Additionally, he managed Hyundai’s electrification strategies and online automotive sales tools.

Before Hyundai, Romano worked at Mazda, notably on the "Zoom Zoom" advertising campaign. He was recognized with industry awards including Canada Black Book’s Industry Icon Award and Women's Executive Network's Ally of Excellence Award.

Romano holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from California State University and an MBA from Pepperdine University. He began his automotive career in 1985 with Nissan USA, later moving to Mazda in 2000.

He will relocate to Sydney from Ontario, Canada, accompanied by his wife and two Australian Shepherds.