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FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Former Hyundai Motor America executive Michael O'Brien is making his way back to the automaker after 14 years with Toyota.

It was revealed Tuesday that O'Brien has been appointed vice president of product and corporate planning, where he will head up efforts to continue developing and expanding the automaker's vehicles, as well as holding business planning and corporate strategy leadership responsibilities.

O'Brien previously served in various product planning, parts and marketing positions for Hyundai Motor America from 1987 to 1996. During his time at Toyota, he was a corporate manager for the corporate planning division.

O'Brien's career also includes time with Nissan and Ford in various marketing, product planning and field operations roles.

As he takes on the new role, O'Brien is to report to John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's president and chief executive officer.

"It's great to have Mike O'Brien back on the Hyundai team," Krafcik noted. "Mike's a real car guy with strong technical credentials, yet he's also a smart and passionate business leader. 

"That's a rare skill set, and we're delighted to have Mike leading our product and strategic functions at Hyundai Motor America," he continued.