THE man in charge of design for Hyundai and Genesis has received a top automotive award after being voted the World Car Person of the year for 2023.

SangYup Lee, who heads up the Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Centre, took the honour in the World Car Awards which has jurors from 32 countries.

It is thesecond consecutive World Car Person of the Year win for Hyundai Motor Group with Luc Donckerwolke, president for design and chief creative officer for the Hyundai Motor Group taking the honour last year.

To be eligible for the award, candidates must have made a significant contribution to the global automotive industry with global repercussions during the period January 1 to December 31, 2022.

SangYup Lee was chosen by the jury panel on the basis that he was the creative mind behind some of the most stunning and innovative concept and production cars unveiled in 2022, including the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the all-new Hyundai Kona and Hyundai N Vision 74, which took the public by storm last summer.

Lee's strong design philosophy, vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping Hyundai's new design language, as demonstrated by the brand's recent successes.

He continues to be a driving force behind the brand's commitment in creating iconic and emotional designs.

Lee said: "This honour is not the recognition of an individual but a testament to a shared collective passion for creativity encouraged by the dedication of Hyundai top management who set us high standards to achieve. It is the unwavering diligence of the many talented people who contribute to making Hyundai Design what it is today.

"Exceptional leadership presents us with thought-provoking challenges, and each design team member provides invaluable support to deliver successful results.

"Hyundai is taking on many challenges, but this is just the beginning. We believe our greatest achievements lie ahead of us."

Prior to joining Hyundai in 2016 Lee worked at Bentley where he was in charge of advanced design which included work on the Bentayga SUV.

The award is part of the World Car of the year honours for 2023 the winner of which will be announced at the New York Auto Show in April.

Previous World Car Person of the Year recipients includeAkio Toyoda, president and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation (2021), Carlos Tavares, CEO of PSA Group (2020), the lateSergio Marchionne, CEO, FCA; chairman, CNH Industrial and chairman and CEO of Ferrari (2019) andHakan Samuelsson, president and CEO, Volvo Car Group who won the honour in 2018.