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SK Group Elevates 85 Younger Executives in AI-Focused Overhaul

The overhaul tightens SK’s push into AI by pairing new research hubs with slimmer leadership ranks.

Overview

  • SK named 85 new executives with an average age of 48.8, including 17 born in the 1980s and the youngest, Ahn Hong-beom of SK Telecom’s AI and digital transformation team; six of eight newly appointed women were also born in the 1980s.
  • SK hynix will open AI research centers in the United States, China and Japan, establish a Global Infra division to advance its Indiana packaging fab, and launch a Macro Research Center to analyze geopolitical and industry shifts.
  • SK Innovation created an AI transformation unit reporting directly to the CEO to speed execution, and SK Ecoplant formed an AI solutions business integrating construction and energy operations.
  • Despite the promotions, industry sources say SK’s total executive headcount declined by about 10 percent as the group streamlines decision-making.
  • SK Energy CEO Kim Jong-hwa was appointed CEO of SK Geocentric to lead integration of petroleum and chemical operations and strengthen cost competitiveness.