Lee Jae-keun, who has been recommended as the candidate for the next chairman of KB Financial Group, stated today (the 14th), "I will play a major role in helping KB Financial establish itself as a leading financial group beyond South Korea and into the global market."

Arriving at the headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on this day, Lee met with reporters and said, "I find myself wondering what being number one among domestic financial groups even means anymore."

He added, "KB Financial posted record-high performance in the first half of the year, and its stock price is also breaking records. I take my appointment heavily as a message not to settle for being number one."

He went on to emphasize, "In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), we must properly respond to changes over the next 3 to 5 years. This is a critical period on which the very fate of the financial group depends. We will move forward based on stable performance without falling behind the changes."

Regarding executive appointments for affiliated company CEOs, Lee noted, "Rather than the chairman holding all the power in making appointments, things should operate through a system. This is a matter that should be discussed and decided by the Presidential Candidate Recommendation Committee, a subcommittee of the board of directors."

He said, "A generational shift to a younger KB means that decision-making can be swift and responsible. We will not be confined by age, and we will consider who possesses the capability, expertise, and ability to draw out the dedication of our organization members."

Regarding future organizational management, Lee stated, "I want to aim for an organization that operates through processes and systems rather than concentrating power in the chairman. I will place emphasis on a decentralized and sustainable organization."

Previously, the KB Financial Chairman Recommendation Committee abruptly recommended Lee as the next chairman candidate on the 11th, citing the need for bold changes and a generational shift.

Born in 1966, Lee is five years younger than current Chairman Yang Jong-hee. After serving as the president of KB Kookmin Bank, he has overseen the holding company's global division, wealth management (WM), and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) division since last year.

Lee will take office on November 21 of this year following an extraordinary shareholders' meeting.

The chairman's term is three years.

(Photo: Yonhap News)