Santen Pharmaceutical Korea CEO Lee Han-woong / Courtesy of Santen Pharmaceutical Korea

Santen Pharmaceutical Korea CEO Lee Han-woong has been included in the Great Place to Work (GPTW) Institute's list of Most Respected CEOs in Korea.

The firm is the local branch of Santen Group in Korea, providing global ophthalmic treatment solutions. Founded in 2000, Santen Pharmaceutical Korea holds the largest market share in the country's ophthalmic treatment and medicine sector.

Under Lee's leadership, Santen Pharmaceutical Korea has expanded its market presence in Asia. Since Lee took on the role, the company has recorded its highest sales and profitability in the region, driving the group's overall growth in the global market, according to a company official.

"Lee believes employee happiness and well-being are the foundation of organizational success," the official said.

Under Lee's leadership drive, Santen Pharmaceutical Korea successfully implemented a remote work hour system allowing employees to flexibly choose their working hours and locations.

"(The system) significantly enhanced employees' work-life balance," the official said.

"It is highly praised by all employees, including working mothers and fathers. (It) allows them to spend more time with children while still achieving outstanding career results."

Santen Pharmaceutical Korea also established Santen Recognition Platform as an online bulletin board, where employees can freely express their appreciation and gratitude toward their colleagues. The official said it has enhanced employee engagement and fostered a positive workplace culture.

The company also started holding regular town hall meetings to listen to employees' opinions. This helped build trust among workers, the official added.

Santen Pharmaceutical Korea also emphasizes individual talent, which has been key to the company's success. The company highlights employees' achievements within the organization and offers numerous career opportunities abroad, including in Asia and Europe.

"I believe personal achievement and organizational success are not a matter of choice but should always be considered collectively," Lee said.

Recognizing the company's success under Lee's leadership, the GPTW Institute named him as one of the Most Respected CEOs in Korea this year.

The company official said Lee aims to continuously strengthen the organizational culture, which is built on trust, respect and collaboration under the belief that employees are the core of the company.