[Edaily Reporter Kim Se-yeon ] #Lee Jae-geun, Head of KB Financial Group and the nominee for the next chairman of KB Financial Group, stated on the 14th, “My appointment following such significant achievements is a message that we must not rest on our laurels as the leader,” adding, “I will set new standards and benchmarks.”

Candidate Lee made these remarks to reporters that morning at the KB Kookmin Bank New Building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, regarding his nomination. The KB Financial Group Chairman Nomination Committee held a meeting on the 11th and selected Candidate Lee as the final candidate for the next chairman. KB Financial Group will formally appoint Candidate Lee following procedures such as an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting. His term will begin this coming November.
Mr. Lee first expressed his gratitude to current Chairman Yang Jong-hee and the members of the Chairman Nomination Committee, pledging, “I will ensure a smooth transition without compromising the management, strategic, and business continuity of KB Financial Group.”
Regarding his selection as the final candidate for chairman—which defied public expectations—he said, “I take this as a serious message not to rest on my laurels.” He added, “In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), if we fail to respond properly to the major changes expected over the next three to five years, the very fate of the financial group will be at stake.”
Candidate Lee promised to grow KB Financial Group beyond being the number one in Korea into a group that sets global standards. He remarked, “(KB Financial) has such a well-rounded non-banking portfolio that I find myself wondering what it truly means to be number one among domestic financial groups,” adding, “I believe the meaning of ‘leading’ lies in spearheading change and establishing new standards and benchmarks for the relevant industry.”
Regarding future personnel decisions at affiliate companies, he stated that he would prioritize “competence” above all else. The nominee explained, “Generational change does not refer solely to age. A ‘young KB’ refers to the ability to make decisions more swiftly and responsibly, rather than just age,” he said. “I will not limit myself to age when making personnel decisions. I will proceed by carefully considering competency—including expertise, how well a leader works in harmony with employees, and who can inspire their dedication.”
The nominee also stated that he aims for a structure where power is distributed throughout the organization. “Rather than having power concentrated in the chairman, I want to build an organization that operates systematically and through established processes, given its large scale,” he said. “As a sustainable organization, I will focus on systematization, process-driven operations, decentralization, and sustainability, rather than relying on a single individual to drive the organization.”
Finally, Candidate Lee stated, “I believe that a leading financial group is not just one that generates high profits, but one that grows alongside its customers and investors. I will give further thought not only to inclusive finance and productive finance but also to related issues, and I will strive to demonstrate what it means to be a leading group.”