Lee Yeon-woo is a financial journalist at The Korea Times. Her wide range of reporting includes policies, macroeconomics, stock market, companies and even crypto. She is passionate about connecting the dots in Korean finance and making it easier for foreign nationals to understand. Based on her previous experience as a national reporter, she also has a keen interest in social issues within the sector, including gender equality and ESG. Your tips and insights are always appreciated. You can send them to yanu@koreatimes.co.kr.
Ham Young-joo set to lead Hana Financial until March 2028
Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo / Courtesy of Hana Financial Group
By Lee Yeon-woo
Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo has secured another three-year term, extending his tenure until 2028, the company said on Thursday. His reappointment will be officially confirmed following the board meeting and the general shareholders' meeting in March.
The financial group's chairman candidate recommendation committee approved Ham’s reappointment for a new term beginning in March. The decision was made through a secret ballot.
"It is more critical than ever to have a leader with proven leadership, extensive experience and strategic management expertise to guide the group with stability," a committee official said. "Amid a rapidly changing financial landscape, Ham has been deemed the right person to lead the group's future by overcoming uncertainties and strengthening its competitive edge in the industry."
The committee highlighted that under Ham's leadership, Hana achieved its best-ever financial performance and a record-high stock price since it was founded.
In his first year as chairman in 2022, the group posted a record-high net income of 3.57 trillion won ($24.73 million), solidifying its position as a leading domestic bank. Despite setting aside substantial provisions in 2023, the group still achieved a strong net income of 3.45 trillion won. It was also expected to set another record-breaking performance in 2024.
Ham's efforts to fulfill the company's corporate social responsibilities, such as establishing day care centers, were also positively recognized as contributing to sustainable corporate value.
Born in 1956 in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province, Ham began his career as a high school graduate employee at Seoul Bank, the predecessor of Hana Bank. After the 2016 merger of Hana Bank and Korea Exchange Bank, he became the first president of the newly integrated bank. He later served as vice chairman of Hana Financial Group before assuming the chairmanship in 2022.