TurningPoint Executive Search Fills HR Post for Hyundai Motor America
December 21, 2023 – TurningPoint Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Kara Vande Hoef as director of human resources for Hyundai Motor America (HMA). “Kara’s professional journey to date speaks to her wealth of expertise across all HR functions,” said Raquel Gallant, TurningPoint’s managing director of executive search. “She has successfully developed and implemented HR programs, scaled operations, and managed strategic initiatives across various organizations and industries. She will be an impactful leader on the HR team as HMA continues to grow.”
Ken Schmitt, CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search highlights the firm’s commitment to recruiting innovative HR leaders, recognizing the profound impact they can have on cultivating a culture of belonging and achieving results. “Hyundai Motors has done a phenomenal job in creating a highly respected employment brand, and we are proud to have played a role in securing an exceptional HR leader to contribute to their ongoing success,” he said.
Ms. Vande Hoef has experience with publicly traded and private equity-backed companies, translating complex ideas into simple and effective action plans relative to rewards, employee experience, business transformation, organization effectiveness, leadership development, and succession planning. She most recently served as VP of HR operations and total rewards at CONSOR Engineers. In this role, Ms. Worked closely with the senior leadership team and operations leaders to advance HR programs, processes, and technology from evolution to execution. Before that, Ms. Vande Hoef was head of human resources with C&D Trojan. During her career, she has also gained experience serving in senior HR positions with Pacific Dental Services, AECOM, and Mattel.
In her new position with Hyundai Motor America, Ms. Vande Hoef will report directly to Matthew Little, the vice president of human resources for Hyundai Motor North America (HMNA) and the vice president of Hyundai Motor Company’s global HR group.
“It has been a pleasure to partner with Matthew Little in identifying this high-impact position,” said Ms. Gallant. “Kara’s proven track record in HR leadership and strategic thinking will be instrumental in driving company growth and upholding a best-in-class culture.”
Hyundai Motor America, doing business as Hyundai Motor North America is the operating subsidiary that oversees all operations of Hyundai Motor Company in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Hyundai has total of 19 manufacturing plants globally. Its operations include research and development, manufacturing, sales, marketing, after sales and corporate functions, which are controlled by HMA but sometimes executed by other subsidiaries and holding companies. The company is headquartered in Fountain Valley, CA.
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TurningPoint is an executive recruiting resource for sales, marketing, operations, and executive leadership professionals across the U.S. The firm launched in 2007 in San Diego, CA. Its team offers experience in recruiting, human resources, sales, marketing, training, and management. TurningPoint serves privately held, venture-backed start-ups, private equity-owned early-stage, and mature, family-owned businesses.
Experienced Consultants
Mr. Schmitt has been a recruiter for close to 25 years. His team at TurningPoint have placed nearly 400 of the nation’s leading sales, marketing, operations, and C-suite professionals, partnering with national clients across numerous industries such as tech, software, transportation, manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, professional and financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and hospitality.
The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life’s Turning Points
No one will dispute these are turbulent and troubled times when “business as usual” no longer seems like a viable attitude. So, just how do you cope with a world that often seems to be spinning out of control — especially when your business is caught up in all the chaos? Now, Ken Schmitt, founder and CEO of TurningPoint Executive Search, pulls back the curtain on the many life-changing challenges he’s faced as a business leader in The Practical Optimist: An Entrepreneurial Journey Through Life’s Turning Points to reveal what’s worked for him — and what hasn’t. This frank, funny and revealing book pulls no punches as Mr. Schmitt details the massive challenges he’s faced personally and professionally in his journey to the C-Suite, leading his own company. More importantly, he also breaks down the secrets and strategies he’s discovered to be the most effective in navigating the highs and lows which all businesses experience. And he layers it all with a personal touch that makes his advice relatable and real.
Ms. Gallant was recently promoted for a second time to managing director, where she oversees the TurningPoint recruiting team. She has completed multiple executive and mid-level searches including president, CEO, executive director, COO/VP operations, GM, CMO, SVP of sales, VP of sales operations, and sales director.
Earlier this year, TurningPoint added Jennifer Pikoos to launch new human resources solutions practice. “Having partnered with her for more than four years as a client, we are thrilled to have Jennifer join the TurningPoint team,” said Mr. Schmitt. “We have seen first-hand how her incredible work ethic and deep knowledge of people and culture equip her with a unique ability to drive business results. Over the past few years, our clients have been asking whether we could provide them with human resources support beyond executive search, and we are so fortunate to finally be able to provide world-class HR expertise through our new TurningPoint human resources solutions practice.”
As an addition to TurningPoint’s current suite of services, the HR solutions practice aims to empower businesses through authentic human resources. Ms. Pikoos offer support in developing impactful leaders and ensuring every HR function is equipped to support and partner with the business. Ms. Pikoos has been a leader in human resources and related functions for over 20 years, having worked in multiple industries, including automotive, banking/financial services, and biotechnology, as well as public accounting.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
