
The new chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bank Korea officially began his three-year long tenure Wednesday, highlighting the expansion of retail finance as his primary focus, the company announced.
Speaking at a new year's meeting at the company’s headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, CEO Lee Kwang-hee pledged to "revamp the bank’s retail banking business to align with global standards for asset management." He also vowed to make the bank more dynamic, empowering employees to advance with a shared vision for the future.
"SC Group's new global strategy centers on wealth management solutions and advisory services for 'affluent' clients, a relevant approach that can also be applied in Korea," Lee stated, adding, "We will target future markets through ongoing investments and the development of digital infrastructure that aligns with global trends and changes."
Lee further emphasized the importance of corporate banking, promising to strengthen SC’s unique position by leveraging its global networks, which have been integral to its sustained growth in the sector.
A key focus was also placed on customer service: "A bank's greatest source of strength is its customer-facing operations," Lee said, adding, "I will work to foster collaboration between the front-line operations and support departments to enhance customer service."
Lee’s appointment marks the first leadership change at the Korean subsidiary of the London-based banking giant in a decade, succeeding Park Jong-bok, the lender's first Korean national CEO. Before joining SC Korea in August 2010, Lee held roles at global investment firms, including Merrill Lynch International and UBS Securities.
On Wednesday, SC Group's Chief Financial Officer Diego De Giorgi attended the ceremony to celebrate Lee’s inauguration.
"Korea is a key market for SC Group and holds significant importance," De Giorgi said. "Under the new CEO's leadership, I am confident the bank will achieve further growth as a bank with strong profitability and competitiveness."