SK Group nominated new leaders for its energy businesses Friday, while chipmaking affiliate SK hynix assigned its development chief to a new US-based organization focused on major technology customers and research.
The 2027 appointments retain key affiliate CEOs as the conglomerate seeks to complete its portfolio restructuring, strengthen finances and invest in AI and advanced technology.
President Cheong Seung-il, a power and energy specialist, was nominated as SK Innovation’s next CEO. SK said he would strengthen existing operations and expand its power business amid volatile energy markets.
President Kang Dong-soo, who has overseen operations at holding company SK Inc., was nominated as a representative director of SK Innovation alongside Cheong and as CEO of refining subsidiary SK Energy. His priorities include generating cash from existing businesses to fund new investments.
President Kim Wone-kee, who heads SK Enmove’s company-in-company unit, will concurrently lead petrochemical subsidiary SK Geocentric, with a focus on improving profitability in higher-value chemicals.
At SK hynix, President Ahn Hyun will move from development chief to head the newly established Americas organization, based in the US. The chipmaker said the move would strengthen its work with major US technology customers and bolster research and development.
Ahn has led development of AI memory products including high-bandwidth memory. President Cha Seon-yong will succeed him as development chief while retaining his role as head of the future technology research institute.
President Yoon Poong-young, who has led SK hynix’s global growth task force since July, will head its Corporate Center. The chipmaker’s appointments take effect Nov. 1.
SK also appointed President Choo Hyeong-wook to a newly created Southeast Asia regional leadership role, adding to its existing structure for the Americas, China and Japan. The group said the position would support local research and commercialization in AI, green businesses and advanced materials.
At SK Inc., CEO Jang Yong-ho will retain his role. Kim Sun-hyuk, head of strategy at SKC, was promoted to president at the holding company as it works to complete its portfolio overhaul.
The group said affiliate boards decided the appointments and shared them at an extraordinary meeting of its top coordinating body, the SUPEX Council, Friday morning.
mjh@heraldcorp.com
