Former bureaucrat to head Korea Energy Agency
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Kang Nam-hoon, Korea Energy Agency CEO
By Lee Hyo-sik
A former bureaucrat has been appointed as the new CEO of the state-run Korea Energy Agency (KEA) effective Monday, replacing outgoing Byun Jong-rip who headed the agency for three years.
Kang, who retired as knowledge economy senior presidential secretary at Cheong Wa Dae in 2013, has pledged to transform KEA into a globally competitive energy research institute by fostering innovation, transparent management and open communication among employees.
Prior to the latest appointment, Kang has headed Korea Industrial Complex Corp. for the last three years.
The CEO, who earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Seoul National University, passed the civil service exam in 1982. He received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Michigan in 1995.
He has served key posts at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy throughout his 30-year career.
“I am glad to be part of the organization, which has been at the forefront of Korea’s efforts to improve its energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy,” Kang said during an inaugural ceremony at KEA headquarters in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Monday.
“We will expand the scope of our work to help the country more proactively cope with the rapidly changing global energy market,” he said. “KEA will ensure that the energy industry continues to play a critical role in driving economic growth and bolstering energy welfare for the people. We will emerge as a top global energy agency.”
The CEO said he will embed innovation and creativity in KEA’s corporate culture, stressing that all employees should spend more time in the field.
“We will introduce a performance-based evaluation system to encourage workers to hone their professional skills and reach their full potential. We will also promote transparent management and integrity to turn KEA into a more trusted public enterprise.”