KB Financial Group said on March 8 it held a "Group Conference for Newly Appointed Female Branch and Sub-Branch Managers" on March 6.

The event was arranged to congratulate female branch and sub-branch managers newly appointed this year at key group affiliates and to explore together their roles and direction as female leaders to drive the company’s sustainable growth.

KB Financial ran the event in the following order: "Talks with Seniors," in which senior female executives answered questions from the newly appointed managers and shared their experiences and advice as female leaders; and "Talks with the Group CEO," in which Chairman Yang Jong-hee (양종희) communicated directly with the newly appointed managers and listened to voices from the field.

The event was held ahead of International Women's Day on March 8, which symbolises gender equality and the advancement of women's rights. KB Financial is creating an inclusive organisational culture based on the group’s diversity strategy, "KB Diversity 2027."

Yang said at the event, "Female leaders should take pride, and finance is also changing beyond selling products to a role that cares for a person's entire life."

He also said, "The more it is the AI era, the more important it is communication and empathy between people, and please create new value in finance through such inclusive leadership."

A KB Financial official said, "KB Financial is putting into practice the values of diversity and inclusion across the group, such as continuously expanding the base of female leaders." The official added, "KB Financial will continue to actively support the growth of female talent and work to spread a culture of gender equality, creating an environment where talent from diverse backgrounds can grow together."