Digital transformation expert nominated as next KT CEO

• Published date: 07 March 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

KT's board of directors unanimously recommended Yun Kyung-lim, head of the group transformation division, as the final candidate to replace outgoing CEO Ku Hyeon-mo, the telecommunications firm said Tuesday.

The decision was made after in-depth interviews of four shortlisted candidates, all of whom are former and incumbent KT executives.

"Based on his expertise in digital transformation, Yun presented the future vision of KT's growth into a global digital platform company, amid the rapidly changing market environment," KT board chairman Kang Chung-gu said. "The board of directors regards him as the right person to enhance shareholder value."

Kang added that KT will accelerate efforts to improve its governance structure, in order to dispel worries among the government and lawmakers over the corporate governance of companies with complex ownership structures.

The CEO nominee is expected face a bumpy road as the head of KT for the next three years, due to the ruling People Power Party's (PPP) negative view of him. Yun is considered to be the closest aide of the incumbent CEO, who was virtually forced by the government to step down.

Earlier this month, Rep. Park Sung-joong of the PPP leveled criticism against KT's decision to exclude outsiders from the shortlist. The lawmakers described Yun as "Ku's avatar,"...