Zafar J. Brooks is a 25 year veteran automotive professional. He joined Hyundai Motor America in January 2005 as Region General Manager, and, in that role, was responsible for sales, marketing and dealer franchising for the company’s Western Region. In November 2006, he was named Director of General Affairs, in charge of Government Relations and Diversity Inclusion, a position he still holds today.

In 2007, Brooks’ duties were expanded to include Corporate Social Responsibility activities for Hyundai in the US, which included leading the company’s largest philanthropic effort – a program called Hope on Wheels. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a non-profit, 501c3 entity, which Brooks incorporated in late 2006. He manages daily operations for the Hope on Wheels Foundation, including developing strategic direction for the program and overseeing grant funds requests for institutions doing pediatric cancer research. Brooks leads a dealer-member board of directors and works closely with a medical advisory committee of leading pediatric oncologist. In 2007, Brooks created a Hyundai’s Scholars program, which provides grant funding directly to the research work of selected principal investigators, with innovative ideas in research or patient care for pediatric cancer. In 2010, Brooks launched the largest annual philanthropic donation effort for Hyundai, with an initiative to award nearly $7 million during the month of September - National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

As a director for Hyundai Motor America, Brooks also manages the Company’s Government Relations and Diversity Inclusion activities. Brooks has held senior executive positions with Volkswagen of America and Ford Motor Company.

Brooks has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Fisk University and earned a Master of Arts degree in Finance from Webster’s University. He holds a certificate in Strategic Marketing from Duke University Fuqua School of Business, a certificate from The Center for Creative Learning, and holds a host of professional and industry recognition. He was recently named by OnWheels Media, as a finalist for diversity executive of the year. He was also featured by DiversityInc. for his work in Diversity and Inclusion at Hyundai. Brooks is a member of the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Orange County; and advisor for the ACT-SO program.

He and his wife of 25 years, reside in Orange County, California. They have two adult children. In his leisure time, Brooks enjoys cooking, volunteering and spending quality time with family.