Korean Register Names New Chairman & CEO
Classification society the Korean Register (KR) has elected Lee Jeong-kie as its new Chairman and CEO.
Lee assumes the role of Chairman and CEO, following the death of B. S. Park, who passed away after a short illness in October 2016.
Lee has worked for KR for 29 years, most recently as executive vice president of KR’s survey division.
He was elected at the extraordinary meeting of KR’s general assembly which oversees the running of KR and comprises 86 voting members. This is the second time in KR’s 56-year history that an internal candidate has been appointed as Chairman and CEO.
Lee graduated from Busan National University with a bachelor's degree in naval architecture and started his career as QC at Korea Shipbuilding Public Corporation in 1978. He later joined DSME where he worked as QC until 1987.
Lee joined KR in 1987, and has held various senior management positions including KR country manager in Singapore and executive vice president in charge of KR's technical division and statutory division.
KR’s new chairman has extensive field survey experience and has contributed significantly to the enhancement of KR’s global port state control response. He has also played a key role in increasing KR’s global scope, gaining important authorizations to provide statutory services on behalf of shipping and maritime organizations, particularly in Germany and Canada.
On being elected Lee said, “KR is facing many challenges following the prolonged downturn of the shipping and shipbuilding industries, and as a result of the liberalization of classification services in Korea. I am keen to support and enhance our services under these conditions.”
“I look forward to building on KR’s strong industry reputation, and to increasing our global competitiveness by enhancing our expert survey and technological competence. Moving forward, KR will look to provide bespoke services to meet clients' specific requirements and will explore the expansion of business services through diversification.”