SK Retains Key CEOs, Overhauling Energy Leadership in 2027 Reshuffle
SK Group has retained the chief executives of its major affiliates to ensure management stability while appointing experienced executives to key positions across its energy and chemical businesses. The reshuffle reflects Chairman Chey Tae-won's strategy to accelerate the group's portfolio rebalancin
SK Group has maintained the leadership of its major affiliates while implementing a strategic shake-up to optimize its energy and chemical operations. Chairman Chey Tae-won's plan involves accelerating the portfolio rebalancing, enhancing cash flow from current businesses, and funding future growth areas, such as artificial intelligence (AI). An extraordinary SUPEX Council meeting on October 30 approved the executive appointments for 2027, emphasizing expertise over generational change.
Key figures like SK Inc. CEO Jang Yong-ho and SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung will retain their positions to ensure business continuity. Jang will step down from his role as CEO of SK Innovation to concentrate on managing SK Inc. Vice Chairman Chey Chang-won will remain chairman of the SUPEX Council.
The most substantial shifts occurred within the energy and chemical sectors. Jung Seung-il, a former trade, industry, and energy minister, has been appointed as the new CEO of SK Innovation. A co-CEO structure has been introduced to boost profitability and enhance cash flow. Kang Dong-su, previously overseeing SK Inc.'s overall operations, has been designated as co-CEO of SK Innovation and CEO of SK Energy.
Jung will direct new power businesses and future growth projects, while Kang will focus on stabilizing cash flow from existing energy operations.
Kim Won-ki, who led SK Enmove's company-in-company (CIC) unit, will also serve as CEO of SK Geo Centric. Kim Won-ki's experience in base oil and lubricants will help strengthen profitability in higher-value chemical operations. SK Discovery and SK Gas will undergo leadership modifications. Yoon Byung-seok, president of SK Gas, has been named CEO of SK Discovery, where he will develop the company's long-term growth strategy.
Song Kyung-yeol, who headed SK Gas's strategy division, has been promoted to president and CEO of SK Gas.
SK Inc. promoted Kim Seon-hyeok, who previously headed SKC's strategy division, to president to expedite the group's portfolio restructuring. Kim Seon-hyeok, born in 1973, along with Song Kyung-yeol, born in 1972, and Kwon Young-soo, born in 1974, will take on significant roles across the holding company, SUPEX Council, and overseas operations, highlighting SK Group's focus on expert-driven leadership renewal.
The reshuffle aims to bolster core competitiveness in response to a volatile business environment and set the stage for growth through proactive portfolio restructuring. SK Group plans to hold a CEO seminar in November to finalize its business strategy for 2027.
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