Kumho Inaugurates New Chairman

In a press release that avoids mentioning the recent Park family tussle, Kumho Asiana has announced the official inauguration of the group’s fifth chairman. Chan-Bup Park, who is no relation to San-koo and Chan-koo Park, began in his official capacity following an inauguration ceremony in Seoul on the morning of July 31.

In his inauguration speech, Chan-Bup Park stated, “regarding the restructuring of the group, which is in the interest of shareholders and the market, I intend to speed up the process, and will ensure that it takes place according to schedule.

“I will also revamp the Group’s business portfolio as soon as possible, to achieve stability and high standards within the Group, and to seek new growth engines for the future,” he added.

In his remarks, Park placed an emphasis on the “rational management” of Kumho staff. He elaborated that all decision-making during his tenure will be based on principles of “rationality,” and asked executives and employees of the Kumho Asiana Group to consider this a guideline for their code of conduct.

Chan-Bup Park has worked for Kumho for four decades and the press statement describes him as a “true Kumho man”. He joined the group in 1969 and has held a number of senior positions within the company. The statement adds that Park is “soft-spoken and rational, but is a perfectionist in his work, telling people that ‘the feeling of achievement itself is enough compensation’.” He is also said to be proficient in English and is dubbed the “best sales expert” within the Kumho Asiana Group. Kumho reports that Park’s motto is: “You can achieve anything if you give it your best, with conviction.”