33 Executives Promoted... R&D and Innovation Talent Appointed
Hyungmin Yoo, Head of Strategy at Hankook Tire, Nominated as CEO of Model Solution
Korea & Company Group has conducted its 2026 executive appointments. While maintaining its focus on organizational stability and research and development (R&D)-driven long-term growth, the group has appointed its first-ever CEO in his 40s since its founding, bringing young leadership to the forefront across its affiliates.
On December 29, Korea & Company Group announced its regular 2026 executive appointments, based on this personnel policy.
A total of 33 executives were promoted in this round, with proven expertise, R&D capabilities, and on-site responsiveness as the main criteria. Notably, the focus was placed on long-term competitiveness and risk management rather than short-term performance. The appointments will take effect on January 1, 2026.
First, Seo Eodon, Head of Safety Production Technology at Hankook Tire & Technology, was promoted to Vice President. Seo was highly regarded for simultaneously advancing safety, quality, and efficiency at global production sites over the years. The group has announced its intention to continue prioritizing safety and quality as core competitive advantages as it expands its global production bases.
The emphasis on appointing R&D specialists was also a key aspect of these appointments. Newly promoted Executive Directors Kim Sungho and Lee Hyungjae, both from the R&D Innovation Division, are recognized as leading R&D experts within the group. The company highlighted its strategy to strengthen global high-tech competitiveness and proactively secure leadership in the future mobility ecosystem through R&D innovation.
The group’s decision to place young leaders at the forefront to strengthen field-oriented execution is also noteworthy. For its affiliate Model Solution, Hyungmin Yoo, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Hankook Tire & Technology, has been nominated as CEO. He will be the first CEO in his 40s since the group’s founding.
Yoo has led the development of long-term growth strategies and the advancement of the business portfolio at Hankook Tire. His leadership, which bridges both strategy and on-site operations, has been highly valued, especially as industrial structures evolve and technological competition intensifies. Model Solution is an engineering solutions company spanning various industries, including robotics, automotive, electronics, and medical sectors.
A Korea & Company Group representative stated, "This round of executive appointments is focused on long-term growth, establishing a stable management system, and balancing change with innovation," adding, "We will strengthen our fundamental competitiveness to solidify our position as a global high-tech group."
The following is the list of regular executive appointments.
◆ Hankook Tire & Technology
△Vice President Seo Eodon △Executive Directors Kim Sungho, Lee Hyungjae △Managing Directors Kang Changhwan, Park Jinsun, Shin Byungho, Jang Yunho, Moon Janghyuk, An Byungwon, Yoo Hyungmin, Lee Seunghyung
△Deputy Managing Directors Kang Hyunseok, Gil Gibin, Kim Sungju, Kim Youngjin, Yoon Youngjin, Lee Yongwoo, Lim Jeongsun, Joo Yooseok, Chae Hoseok, Choi Seongyu, Hong Seunghwan
◆ Hanon Systems
△Managing Director Lee Sungman △Deputy Managing Directors Kim Sookhyun, Kim Jungho, Oh Yongjin, Jung Sucheol, Han Jungyeol, William Abate
◆ Korea & Company
△Managing Director Lee Sungchan △Deputy Managing Directors Kim Dongcheol, Chae Heedong, Hwang Eutaek
◆ Model Solution
△CEO (Nominee) Hyungmin Yoo
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
