[Power K Women] Hyunnam Park, President of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry Who Broke the "Glass Ceiling": "Good Leadership Means Putting People at the Center"

Innovative Leader Bridging Korea and Germany in Industry and Economy
"I Want to Bring Germany's Dual Vocational Training 'Ausbildung' to Korea"
Consistent Support for the Next Generation of Female Leaders
"'Speak-up Culture' That Embraces D

Hyunnam Park, President of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (and Country Head of Deutsche Bank Korea), is an icon of breaking the "glass ceiling." She is the first female representative of a foreign investment bank in Korea, as well as the first Korean female president and re-elected president of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI).

Hyunnam Park, President of the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea, is an icon of breaking the "glass ceiling." She has demonstrated leadership as the first female representative of a foreign investment bank in Korea and the first female and re-elected president of the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea. Photo by the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea

At the forefront of industrial and economic cooperation between Korea and Germany, she is regarded as a strong bridge and a pioneering leader driving innovation. Under her leadership, the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry has, since its founding in 1981, facilitated the global expansion and collaborative projects of numerous companies for over 40 years.

People have always been at the heart of President Park’s leadership, as she has paved her own path where no one had gone before. She believes that true leaders are those who draw out potential and foster a culture of trust and respect. She emphasized, "Good leadership ultimately means putting people at the center."

-The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry is known for its size and influence. What role does it play?

▲The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established in 1981 and currently has over 500 member companies. It is the second largest foreign chamber of commerce in Korea after the American Chamber of Commerce. Its parent organization, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, comprises 79 regional chambers in Germany and has about 3.6 million member companies. Representing the German economy and industry, it serves as a key communication channel and business partner for companies from both countries seeking business opportunities in Korea and Germany, as well as for market entry and business expansion. Currently, the chamber focuses on four main areas: vocational education and talent development through the Ausbildung program, green transition and energy cooperation, support for startups and digital innovation, and preparation for the Asia-Pacific German Business Conference (APK).

-One of your flagship projects is the Ausbildung program. Could you elaborate on its details and achievements?

▲Ausbildung is a German-style dual vocational training system that combines practical on-site training with academic education to nurture talent. Since 2017, we have introduced this program to Korea in partnership with German automotive companies operating locally. Currently, in collaboration with four technical colleges, the program is offered in four fields: automotive maintenance, panel beating, painting, and service advising. More than 450 trainees and over 400 trainers have participated across 150 service centers nationwide, and so far, 270 individuals have graduated, most of whom are now serving as core technical personnel in their companies. Beyond technical training, the program also acts as a bridge to strengthen cooperation between Korean and German companies and promote cultural exchange. Recently, the program has expanded into the field of floristry.

Hyunnam Park, Chairman of the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea. Photo by the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea

-There is active communication between the two countries in various fields, including energy cooperation.

▲The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry also serves as the Secretariat for the Korea-Germany Energy Partnership. Energy is a core agenda for bilateral cooperation, with a strong focus on offshore wind, hydrogen, and renewable energy technologies. Recently, we hosted the 4th Korea-Germany Offshore Wind Forum, and in December, we are scheduled to hold the 6th Korea-Germany Hydrogen Conference and Energy Day, among other major events. We plan to accelerate cooperation for a sustainable energy future and actively share best practices. The chamber also acts as a hub connecting the startup ecosystems of Korea and Germany. Through the "KG CONNECT" program, we support market entry and strategic partnerships for startups in both countries. Next year, the APK will be held in Korea. This is the largest event in the German business sector, held every two years. The German Chancellor, Minister for Economic Affairs, and major companies are expected to visit Korea, which is anticipated to mark a new turning point for bilateral cooperation.

-Why is it important for Korea and Germany to maintain a close relationship?

▲Korea and Germany have maintained a longstanding partnership based on mutual trust, economic cooperation, and shared values such as sustainability, innovation, and the rule of law. Both countries face similar challenges, including energy transition, the climate crisis, demographic changes, and sustainable growth, so it is crucial to strengthen this relationship. In particular, Germany’s Energiewende (energy transition) strategy offers important lessons for Korea. Germany’s offshore wind sector stands out, thanks to long-term institutional consistency and strong public-private cooperation. As Korea seeks to expand its offshore wind power sector, sharing best practices with Germany in areas such as permitting, grid connection, and community engagement could generate significant synergy.

-If you could bring one system from Germany to Korea, what would it be?

▲I am often asked this question, and without hesitation, I answer "the Ausbildung and the German education system." Through Ausbildung, companies can secure talent, and young people can settle into society early through stable wages and economic independence. Ultimately, this could help address Korea’s issues of low birth rates and elderly poverty.

In fact, when I meet CEOs of various German companies, many of them are Ausbildung graduates. They started as apprentices, received on-site training, and then joined the company. For example, at BMW Germany, 1,200 Ausbildung apprentices were selected in 2023 and participated in various areas such as production, management, R&D, and sales, all of whom were guaranteed permanent positions. Students gain hands-on experience that reflects real industry requirements, which naturally leads to employment.

On April 24th, the "2025 Ausbildung Graduation Ceremony" was held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. At the ceremony, 58 individuals received certificates from the German Chamber of Commerce. The Ausbildung program was supported by the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea, Mercedes-Benz Korea, MAN Truck & Bus Korea, Volkswagen Group Korea, and BMW Group Korea. Provided by the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea

Germany’s Ausbildung is not limited to the automotive industry. There are 320 occupations covered by Ausbildung, ranging from bakers, hairdressers, and automotive mechanics to speech therapists, social workers, police officers, bankers, and civil servants. About 1.22 million students (as of 2023) are currently participating in vocational education, with roughly 50% of German youth entering university and the other 50% completing Ausbildung. Companies cultivate practice-oriented talent, while trainees acquire skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. This process naturally enhances work efficiency and productivity, elevates the overall standard of industry, and positively impacts the economic ecosystem. It is no exaggeration to say that Ausbildung has been the driving force behind Germany’s "hidden champions."

-As a finance expert, which fields are you currently paying close attention to?

▲Beyond finance, I am interested in education, sustainability, and social innovation. These are essential areas for long-term economic resilience and social well-being. In particular, I am focusing on structural challenges in Korea’s labor market, such as issues facing young people, women returning to work after career breaks, and middle-aged job seekers. Our goal is to expand Ausbildung into more industries and increase participation not only from global corporations but also from small and medium-sized enterprises. Achieving this will require close cooperation with Korean vocational education institutions and systematic linkage with companies.

-You are also actively involved in promoting women’s leadership. Is there a reason for this?

▲As a founding member and mentor of KGCCI Women in Korea (WIR), I have consistently supported the growth of the next generation of female leaders. Since its launch in 2018, the WIR mentorship program has connected over 250 female executives and employees, providing a solid mentoring foundation for future leaders. Expanding women’s leadership is not just a matter of fairness; it is a vital growth engine for strengthening innovation, inclusivity, and long-term competitiveness. It is a great personal honor to lead programs that connect and empower female leaders in Korean and German companies. WIR provides a platform for mentoring, networking, and knowledge sharing, supporting women’s professional development and leadership growth.

-You demonstrate various forms of leadership-female, ESG, global. What do you think defines "good leadership"?

▲Organizations operate through systems and strategies, but at their core, there are always people. I believe good leadership ultimately means putting people at the center. Especially in global finance, speed and a high sense of responsibility are required. It is easy for this numbers-driven industry to have a cold image, but I believe that bringing warmth into it means creating a "people-centered culture." Such a culture makes organizations warmer, and when collaboration and trust are built within, it leads to even greater achievements. A leader should not simply set goals but should draw out people’s potential and create a culture of trust and respect.

Hyunnam Park, Chairman of the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea. Photo by the German Chamber of Commerce in Korea

In particular, I believe that the essence of leadership lies in how you foster harmony among people of different cultures, generations, genders, and backgrounds. The generational gap in thinking is especially wide these days. The older generation often cannot understand, saying, "Why are young people today so different?" and young people, in turn, often do not understand us. When we fail to understand these differences, conflicts inevitably arise. Ultimately, what matters is recognizing those differences. Leadership that creates harmony within diversity is more important than ever in today’s era. I believe such diversity is the starting point for innovation. When different experiences and perspectives come together, new ideas emerge, which in turn become a company’s competitive edge. To achieve this, a "speak-up culture" where employees can freely express their opinions is essential.

I believe the true role of a leader is to respect generational, gender, and cultural diversity, identify each individual’s strengths, and use them to create greater synergy and efficiency. I, too, strive to grow a little each day in that direction. There is no such thing as a perfect leader, but I will continue to learn, listen, and communicate in order to become a better one.

-What are your future goals or aspirations?

▲Serving as president of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I have naturally developed a sense of vocation. I am committed to doing my utmost, however modest my contribution may be, to help Korea gain a stronger presence in the global economy. Just as I have reached this position with the help of my predecessors, I now want to focus on creating a structure that will enable the next generation to grow and take flight. I believe leadership is not about one’s own achievements, but about building a foundation for the next generation to go even further. Personally, my aspiration is simple: to have a little more composure today than yesterday, to be a little more grateful tomorrow than today, and in this way, to become a better person, step by step.

About Hyunnam Park, President of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry

She is a prominent female finance professional who has shattered the glass ceiling. The word "first" has followed her throughout her career. She began her career in finance at BNP Paribas in 1993, joined Deutsche Bank in 1999, and has since worked across treasury and investment banking for over 26 years. In 2013, she became the first female branch manager of a foreign investment bank in Korea, and in 2025, she became the first female Country Head of Deutsche Bank Korea. She has also served as an advisory committee member for the Financial Supervisory Service, an advisor for parliamentary diplomatic activities, and as vice president of the Foreign Bankers’ Association in Korea, contributing to the development of Korea’s financial sector. Leading the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the second largest foreign economic organization in Korea after the United States, she also serves as an economic bridge. In 2021, she was appointed as the first female president of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and in 2023, she became the first female to be re-elected to the position.