He was awarded the title by the World Car Awards jury panel and recognises automotive industry professionals who have made a significant impact with their contributions in the year leading up to the awards.

Mr Donckerwolke is Hyundai’s executive vice president for Design and chief creative officer.

The World Car Awards jury members are 102 journalists from 33 countries. They cited Mr Donckerwolke’s role overseeing innovative new models, including Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60, as the principal reason for honouring him this year.

Judges also heralded the resto-mod Pony and Grandeur models that paid homage to Korea’s often overlooked automotive heritage.

Mr Donckerwolke said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Person of the Year award and would like to thank all of the jury members and the valued team at Hyundai Motor Group, without whom this would not have been possible.

“I have worked for many companies and brands over my career and I’m delighted at the recognition the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands have received.

“They are a true reflection of the effort of all of the group employees, retailers and partners who have worked steadfastly to develop a strong lineup of compelling and relevant vehicles on sale in over 200 countries worldwide.”

Mr Donckerwolke joined the group in 2016 and succeeded Peter Schreyer as CCO in 2017. He has a 30-year career as an automotive designer working for prestigious brands including Bentley, Lamborghini, Skoda, Seat and Audi.

Judges said he was a passionate automotive aficionado and collector who also takes great pride in his multi-cultural background and speaks eight languages.

The World Car Person of the Year award is part of the annual World Car Awards, which officially launched in January 2004 aiming to recognise, reward and inspire excellence, leadership and innovation in the automotive industry.

Past winners have included Akio Toyoda (2021), Carlos Tavares (2020), Sergio Marchionne (2019) and Håkan Samuelsson (2018).

The World Car jury also recognised Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models in various award categories with Ioniq 5 and EV6 making the top five in 2022 World Car Design; the GV70 making the top five in 2022 World Luxury Car; Ioniq 5 in the top five in 2022 World EV of the Year; and Ioniq 5, EV6, Genesis G70 and Hyundai Tucson all making the Top 10 in 2022 World Car of the Year.

It gave the Hyundai Motor Group more recognition than any other car-maker on the list.

By Neil Dowling