Gu Ja-yeol, Chairman of LS Board, Awarded Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from Korea University

Promoting 'Management with Philosophy' Regularly
Led Global Growth as LS Chairman
Now Chairman of KITA Engaged in Social Contribution

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Gu Ja-yeol, Chairman of the Board of LS Group and Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy degree from Korea University, LS Group announced on the 12th.

Chairman Gu received the degree on the 10th at the Baekjoo Centennial Samsung Hall of Korea University in Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

He is a professional in overseas trade and finance. The university recognized his contributions to leading South Korea's economic development and significantly contributing to cultural projects such as the humanities. He was also acknowledged for his service as the 33rd president of the Korea University Alumni Association for three years starting in 2019.

He has often conveyed to those around him the belief that "companies should not only pursue profits but also contribute to national economic development and community prosperity through 'management with philosophy.'"

Gu Ja-yeol, Chairman of the LS Board and Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, poses for a commemorative photo at the honorary Doctorate of Philosophy degree conferment ceremony at Korea University on the 10th. From the left, Chung Jin-taek, President of Korea University; Chairman Gu Ja-yeol; Lee Kwan-young, Dean of Graduate School.
[Photo by LS]

Korea University awards honorary Doctorate of Philosophy degrees to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to corporate management and society at large.

Jung Jin-taek, President of Korea University, said at the awarding ceremony, "Chairman Gu is a leading Korean entrepreneur and international trade expert who is driving the globalization of Korean companies," adding, "He laid the foundation for a second leap forward by maximizing synergy between existing core businesses and future new businesses through the digital transformation of LS Group."

In his acceptance speech, Chairman Gu said, "I believe my alma mater has awarded me this degree as a small token of the corporate philosophy and beliefs I have upheld throughout my life as a businessman," adding, "It is more meaningful and honorable than any award I have received so far." He continued, "I will do my best to contribute, even if only a little, to the development of our society and community in the positions I hold so that this degree will not bring shame."

Gu Ja-yeol, Chairman of the LS Board and President of the Korea International Trade Association (second from left), poses for a commemorative photo with his family at the honorary Doctorate of Philosophy degree conferment ceremony at Korea University on the 10th. Gu Ja-kyun, Chairman of LS Electric (far left), his mother Mrs. Moon Nam (second from right), and Gu Ja-yong, Chairman of E1 (far right), were also present.
[Photo by LS]

Chairman Gu joined LG Sangsa as an entry-level employee in 1978 and traveled the world for 15 years. He worked as the head of the international division at LG Securities. Starting in 2001 as the head of finance at LS Cable & System, he served as CEO and chairman. During this time, he grew LS Cable & System into one of the world's top three cable companies. He became chairman of LS Group in 2013. The group has production and sales subsidiaries in over 100 locations across 25 countries worldwide.

Externally, he has served as chairman of the Industrial Policy Committee of the Federation of Korean Industries, chairman of the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), president of the 17th and 18th Korea Invention Promotion Association, and chairman of the Presidential Committee on Intellectual Property. Since 2021, he has been serving as chairman of the Korea International Trade Association. His late father, the honorary chairman Gu Pyeong-hoe, also served as chairman of the Trade Association from 1994 to 1999.