Shin Han Bank President Hanyonggu: "Managing Soundness Through Data Analysis"

"Next Year, South Korea's Economy Will Face Crisis Beyond Economic Slowdown"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Han Yong-gu, the newly appointed CEO of Shinhan Bank (56) said on the 30th regarding the goals for the new year 2023, "Let us manage soundness through precise data analysis, protect customer value through timely support measures, and build resilient recovery with solid growth even amid crises."

At the inauguration ceremony held at the headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, attended by about 200 employees, CEO Han stated, "In 2023, our economy will face not just a slowdown but a crisis situation."

In his inaugural speech, CEO Han presented five key tasks: ▲customer-centric approach ▲acceleration of digital innovation ▲solid growth ▲strengthening Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices ▲culture of communication and trust. He said, "Customer-centricity is a value we must pursue unwaveringly, and we must make greater efforts to ensure sincerity toward customers is fully conveyed at every touchpoint," adding, "Let us become a bank that customers seek first and a bank that everyone takes pride in."

Regarding digital transformation, he emphasized, "We will accelerate the pace of digital innovation, and the ultimate future we must reach is the 'Invisible Bank' (referring to banks where transactions are processed via mobile or internet)," and added, "We will expand connections with various companies and institutions in the form of Banking as a Service (BaaS) and realize finance that permeates customers' daily lives."

Regarding the bank's role amid next year's economic crisis, CEO Han said, "Let us fulfill corporate social responsibility through concrete ESG practices," and "Rather than focusing on immediate profits, we will strive for mutual growth with all stakeholders and enhance our status as a leading ESG bank." He also stated, "We will continue to take on challenges to inherit our proud traditions and move toward a new future," and concluded, "Let us build together a bank that gives hope to customers and society, a bank that all employees take pride in, and a world-class Shinhan."

Meanwhile, Han joined Shinhan Bank in 1991 and has held various positions including Personal Customer Support Department, Human Resources Department, Customer Support Department, Branch Manager of Jangam Branch, Branch Manager of Cheongju Terminal Branch, Head of Pension Business Department, Head of the Original Shinhan Strategy Team at the holding company, Vice President of Shinhan Investment Corp., and Deputy CEO of the Sales Group.

Han is known as a field-oriented "sales expert." The bank explained that during his time at SBJ Bank in 2011, when the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident led to a 20 km radius being restricted, Han risked danger to personally visit customers living near the nuclear plant, a case that is still frequently mentioned.

Last year, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when branches were in turmoil, Han was appointed as Sales Group Head and focused on on-site management by visiting over 650 branches nationwide more than twice. He also led channel innovation such as establishing the first digital lounge with video consultation, expanding partnerships with KB Kookmin Bank, KT, the Post Office, GS, and introducing specialized consultation counters.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.