The next chairman candidate of KB Financial Group, Lee Jae-geun, declared his ambition not to rest on being number one in Korea but to establish a new standard as a "leading financial group." He emphasized that rather than relying on specific individuals, he aims to build an organized system and will prioritize expertise over age in future personnel decisions.
On the 14th, while meeting reporters at the new KB Financial building in Seoul Yeouido, the candidate stated, "I take seriously the message not to rest on being number one." This reflects his interpretation that the Chairman Candidate Recommendation Committee selected him instead of Yang Jong-hee Hyeon (Chairman) as a signal to avoid complacency.
On this day, his first official appearance after being elected as chairman candidate, he said, "In the era of money movement, aging society, and AI, the next three to five years will be a critical period where failure to properly respond to major changes could determine the fate of our financial group." He added, "I will continue to reflect on how to further solidify KB Financial Group's role as a leading financial group Han Min-guk-ui (CEO)."
Lee identified the biggest challenge facing the financial industry as responding to money movement toward capital markets while fulfilling social responsibilities through productive and inclusive finance. While acknowledging that "KB Financial Group has a well-developed non-bank portfolio," he questioned, "Does being number one among domestic financial groups still hold any meaning?" He stressed, "Being leading means creating new standards and benchmarks for the industry." He further added, "Moving forward, I will play a significant role in ensuring KB Financial Group establishes itself as a truly leading financial group not only in Korea but also in global markets."
Regarding personnel decisions for subsidiary CEOs, he stated it would be discussed jointly with the CEO Candidate Recommendation Committee and did not provide specifics. However, responding to expectations that generational change would accelerate now that the 1966-born Lee has been selected as chairman candidate, he clarified that age will not be the sole criterion for such changes.
He explained, "A young KB means generational change where our decision-making becomes faster and more responsible, regardless of age." On personnel principles, he emphasized, "We will focus not on age but on expertise based on capability, how we collaborate with employees, and who can inspire their dedication."
He also pledged to build an organization driven by systems. The candidate stated, "Rather than concentrating power in the chairman, as a large organization, I aim for one that operates through processes and systems. As a sustainable organization, we will prioritize decentralization and sustainability over relying on individual talents, ensuring operations are guided by systems and processes."
Meanwhile, he also addressed current KB Financial Group Chairman Yang Jong-hee. The division head said, "I deeply respect and thank Yang Jong-hui (Chairman) for placing KB Financial Group on solid ground and leading its stable growth and development thus far." He added, "I will ensure the continuity of KB Financial Group's management, strategy, and business is preserved and advanced effectively."
in FINANCE
