KT&G CEO Candidate Selection Committee Announces Four Finalists

Business by 2FIRSTS.ai
Feb.18.2024
KT&G CEO Candidate Selection Committee Announces Four Finalists
KT&G CEO candidate committee selects four potential candidates, including internal ones, to succeed current CEO at upcoming shareholder meeting.

According to a report by the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo on February 17th, the CEO candidate recommendation committee of KT&G (a South Korean tobacco company) has announced that four candidates have been selected for the next CEO position. The candidates are former Samsung Electronics Vice President Kwon Gyu-hyun, KT&G Senior Vice President Bang Kyung-wan, former AK Holdings President Lee Sik-chu, and KGC Ginseng Corporation President Heo Cheol-ho (listed in alphabetical order).

 

Among them, Fang Jingwan and Xu Zhehao are internal candidates of KT&G, while the other two are external candidates. The committee will conduct in-depth interviews with the candidates and plan to confirm the final candidate and announce it next week. The next CEO will be elected at the regular shareholders' meeting at the end of March.

 

Previously, the current CEO of KT&G, Baek Pok-in, announced that he will not seek re-election for a fourth term and stated, "As KT&G moves towards 'global top level leap' and transformation, new leadership is needed."

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

2Firsts Interview | Prague Move Puts Eastern Europe in Focus for Nicotine Industry Event EVO NXT
2Firsts Interview | Prague Move Puts Eastern Europe in Focus for Nicotine Industry Event EVO NXT
EVO NXT will move to Prague in April 2026. As an event’s official media partner for four consecutive years, 2Firsts recently interviewed the organisers, who said the relocation reflects strong growth in Eastern European markets for alternative nicotine products. They described EVO NXT as not a traditional trade fair but a business festival shaped by rapid changes in regulation, markets and technological innovation across the global nicotine industry.
Feb.03
Perak to stop issuing new vape licences, aiming for a phased “zero sales” outcome after October
Perak to stop issuing new vape licences, aiming for a phased “zero sales” outcome after October
Perak executive councillor Datuk Sivanesan said the state government aims to progressively reach a “zero” level of vape sales no later than after October, noting vape operators were clearly informed in October 2025.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
3,200 suspected "drug-laced cigarettes" seized in Johor Bahru, case value estimated at US$242,500
3,200 suspected "drug-laced cigarettes" seized in Johor Bahru, case value estimated at US$242,500
Malaysian police seized 3,200 suspicious e-pods with ketamine liquid, arresting two men in Johor Bahru's drug distribution bust.
Feb.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine FDA Requires Licenses for Vape Products with Medical Claims
Philippine FDA Requires Licenses for Vape Products with Medical Claims
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration has announced that establishments selling vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products with medicinal or therapeutic claims must secure Licenses to Operate. Such products are also required to be registered as pharmaceutical products through the Center for Drug Regulation and Research. The FDA urged stakeholders to comply with the new requirements to ensure product safety, efficacy and quality.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Unveils New Ploom EVO Honey Lemon Smoke Stick, Nationwide Launch in Japan from January 2026
Japan Tobacco Unveils New Ploom EVO Honey Lemon Smoke Stick, Nationwide Launch in Japan from January 2026
Japan Tobacco (JT) has announced a new flavor for its Ploom brand’s premium EVO smoke sticks: “EVO Honey Lemon Crystal.” The product will be rolled out in stages, beginning with an early release through official channels in December 2025, followed by a nationwide launch across convenience stores and tobacco retailers in January 2026, priced at JPY 550 (approximately USD 3.7).
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Public Chamber official opposes “generational ban” on tobacco sales, citing rights concerns
Russia’s Public Chamber official opposes “generational ban” on tobacco sales, citing rights concerns
Vladislav Grib, deputy secretary of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, said a “generational ban” on cigarette sales—restricting sales based on year of birth—would not resolve smoking and would instead lead to human rights violations. He argued older cohorts would buy and share, and the approach would split citizens into two categories.
Jan.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai