The Hydrogen Council is pleased to announce Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, as its new Co-Chair, alongside Sanjiv Lamba of Linde. Together, they will collaborate closely with member CEOs to advance the Council’s agenda, focusing on increasing hydrogen demand, establishing global trade frameworks, and accelerating investment.
Hyundai Motor Company, a founding member of the Hydrogen Council, has played a pivotal role in advancing hydrogen technologies since its inception. Under Jaehoon Chang’s leadership, Hyundai has pioneered numerous milestones, including the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), setting global sales records. Beyond mobility, Hyundai is committed to fostering a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem encompassing production, storage, transportation, and utilisation solutions. This holistic approach positions Hyundai as a leader in global energy transition efforts.
Jaehoon Chang expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “The Hydrogen Council is pivotal in our global energy transition. I am honored to serve as Co-Chair and look forward to collaborating with fellow leaders to expand hydrogen’s positive impact worldwide.”
Jaehoon Chang succeeds Yoshinori Kanehana of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., who served as Co-Chair for the past two and a half years. Kanehana reflected on his tenure, expressing pride in advancing hydrogen as a crucial sustainable energy solution and reaffirming his commitment to supporting the Council’s initiatives.
Sanjiv Lamba, existing Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, extended gratitude to Kanehana for his significant contributions and welcomed Jaehoon Chang, highlighting his vision and expertise in driving hydrogen innovation forward.
Ivana Jemelkova, CEO of the Hydrogen Council, emphasised the pivotal moment for the hydrogen industry and underscored the importance of collective efforts in accelerating its adoption as a climate-friendly solution. She expressed excitement about working alongside Jaehoon Chang, Sanjiv Lamba, and their teams to further the Council’s mission.
The leadership transition occurred during the Hydrogen Council’s recent annual CEO event in Berlin, where over 200 executives from leading global businesses and investors convened to review progress, discuss practical strategies, and reaffirm their commitment to collaborative efforts in advancing hydrogen technology.