Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo has been granted an additional three-year term, extending his tenure through 2028, the company announced on Thursday. His reappointment will be formally confirmed after the board meeting and 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 daycare centers, were also positively recognized as contributing to sustainable corporate value.
Born in 1956 in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province, Ham started his career as an employee at Seoul Bank, the predecessor of Hana Bank, after graduating from high school. Following the 2016 merger of Hana Bank and Korea Exchange Bank, he became the first president of the newly formed bank. He later served as vice chairman of Hana Financial Group before taking on the role of chairman in 2022.