KB Financial Group selects next chairman candidates

KB Financial Group is conducting final interviews to select its next chairman for a three-year term. The selection process involves three primary candidates: current chairman Yang Jong-hee, KB Financial Group division head Lee Jae-geun, and former Woori Bank president Kwon Kwang-seok.

Yang Jong-hee is noted for strong quantitative performance, having overseen a period where group net profit exceeded 5 trillion won and non-banking profit shares rose to 44%. The selection committee is expected to evaluate candidates not only on past performance but also on their ability to lead future growth drivers, including artificial intelligence (AX) transformation, global expansion, and wealth management (WM).

Lee Jae-geun offers internal succession stability with extensive experience as the former president of KB Kookmin Bank. Kwon Kwang-seok represents the sole external candidate, bringing management experience from his previous roles at Woori Bank and the Saemaul Geumgo Federation.