KB Kookmin Bank CEO Lee Hwan-ju delivers his inauguration speech at the bank's headquarters in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of KB Kookmin Bank

KB Kookmin Bank and Hana Bank inaugurated their new CEOs, Thursday, with both leaders pledging to enhance customer trust and confidence in 2025.

In his inaugural speech, KB Kookmin Bank CEO Lee Hwan-ju underscored the importance of trust, emphasizing that the bank must transcend merely selling financial products. He said customers should experience KB's distinctiveness through ethical business practices rooted in unwavering integrity.

He emphasized the need for innovation to redefine the bank's operations, proposing a fundamental overhaul of core areas such as retail banking, corporate banking, wealth management, corporate and investment banking, capital markets, and digital operations. Lee stressed that these businesses should be reimagined and redesigned from a foundational perspective.

Additionally, Lee stressed the importance of creating an environment where all employees can act as whistleblowers, speaking out freely without fear or hesitation.

Hana Bank CEO Lee Ho-seoung speaks at his inauguration ceremony at the bank's headquarters in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Hana Bank

Meanwhile, Hana Bank CEO Lee Ho-seoung symbolically marked the beginning of his tenure by receiving the bank's banner from former CEO Lee Seung-lyul, along with the traditional CEO fountain pen. In his address, Lee urged employees to prioritize customers in all aspects of their work. He pledged to lead by example, committing to actively listen to both employees and customers and to work collaboratively in addressing challenges.

Having begun his banking career at a branch office, Lee brings extensive on-the-ground experience to his role. This background has shaped his leadership, enabling him to guide the bank's frontline efforts with exceptional execution skills.

Lee is widely recognized for his contributions to boosting fee income by spearheading new business ventures, including small-scale investment banking, trust services, securities brokerage, and foreign direct investment initiatives.

During his tenure as CEO of Hana Card, he established a solid profit portfolio. Notably, the introduction of the Travlog service revolutionized the overseas travel experience, igniting a travel card boom within the industry. The service recently surpassed 7 million subscribers, solidifying its position as a leading choice for customers in the overseas travel market.

Hana became the first among Korea's top five financial groups to launch travel cards in partnership with global payment networks such as Mastercard, UnionPay, and Visa, rapidly expanding its service scope.

Lee emphasized that even when mountains and rivers block the path, it is possible to move forward by building roads and bridges. He outlined three key strategies to strengthen the bank's foundation and solidify its position as a leading financial institution. They are expanding the customer base for sustainable growth, innovating business models to establish a stable profit base, and redefining a customer-centered corporate culture.

On the day of his inauguration, the CEO also purchased 3,000 shares of Hana Financial Group, demonstrating his commitment to responsible management and enhancing shareholder value by boosting the group's stock price.