Lee Jae-geun (이재근), KB Financial Group’s candidate for next chairman, presented “decentralisation based on systems and processes” as the future direction for managing KB’s organisation. He also stressed that the next 3 to 5 years will be important to respond to changes in the financial environment, including AI and digital shifts and money movements centred on capital markets.

Lee held a briefing on the way to work in Yeouido on the morning of Sept. 14. “Rather than an organisation in which the chairman’s power is skewed and concentrated, I want to pursue an organisation that moves through processes and systems,” he said. “I will focus my thinking on an organisation that does not move based on any specific person’s individual skills, but moves through systems and processes, with emphasis on a more decentralised organisation,” he added.

On the meaning of the group’s Chairman Candidate Recommendation Committee selecting him as the final candidate, he said he took it as an instruction not to be complacent with current results.

“That I was appointed on top of major achievements, I take heavily as a message not to settle as number 1,” he said, citing AI and digital change, money movements and ageing as key shifts.

“If we do not properly respond to major changes over the next 3 to 5 years in the AI era, it is a time when the fate of the financial group is at stake,” he said, adding that he would not fall behind the changes.

As for the direction of change in the financial industry, he mentioned capital-market-centred fund movements and the role of productive finance and inclusive finance. With a non-bank portfolio in place, Lee’s plan is to go beyond simply maintaining the top position among domestic financial groups and to create new standards and benchmarks for the financial industry.

On year-end personnel reshuffles, he drew a line by saying he would not interpret “generational change” as replacement based on age.

“The meaning of generational change is not replacement by age, but that being young means being able to make decisions more quickly and responsibly,” he said. “I will consider leadership without limiting it to age, focusing on capability and expertise, and on whether the leader can work in sync with employees and draw out organisational members’ dedication,” he added.

He also said appointments of heads of affiliates should be discussed under established systems such as the board’s CEO Candidate Recommendation Committee, rather than being decided entirely by the chairman. “The larger a financial group is, the more I think it needs to run by systems,” he said.

He also made clear he would maintain continuity in the existing management strategy. Expressing thanks to incumbent chairman Yang Jong-hee (양종희), Lee said, “The continuity of KB Financial Group’s management, strategy and business will not be damaged, and I will ensure it continues well,” he added.

He also said he wants KB Financial to lead changes and development in the domestic financial industry while establishing itself as a leading financial group in the global market as well.

“Since approval at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders still remains, I will present detailed management plans after I formally take office,” he said.