“First CEO in His 40s Since Founding”… Hankook & Company Group Announces 2026 Executive Appointments
![Hyungmin Yoo Appointed as CEO of Model Solution [Photo courtesy of Hankook & Company Group]](https://wimg.mk.co.kr/news/cms/202512/29/news-p.v1.20251229.2ef78603146246168d0e34f62aa4fedf_P1.jpg)
Hankook & Company Group announced on the 29th that it has carried out its 2026 executive appointments, focusing on stability, strengthening research and development (R&D), field responsiveness, and young talent to build a foundation for mid- to long-term growth and a stable management system.
This round of appointments at Hankook & Company Group prioritized mid- to long-term competitiveness and risk management over short-term results. The group explained that, in an environment where uncertainty has become the norm, it is working to improve its organizational structure through the redeployment of human resources. The appointments will take effect on January 1, 2026.
A total of 33 employees were promoted through these appointments. Seo Eui-don, head of the Safety Production Technology Division, who contributed to enhancing safety, quality, and efficiency at global production sites, was promoted to Executive Vice President. The group plans to continue stable growth by making safety and quality core competencies as it expands its global production bases.
At the holding company Hankook & Company (battery) and major affiliates such as Hanon Systems (thermal management) and Hankook Tire & Technology (tire), the group appointed proven executives with experience and achievements to strengthen organizational stability and risk management capabilities.
At the same time, the group expanded promotions for R&D experts to enhance research and development competitiveness. Those promoted to Senior Vice President, Kim Sung-ho and Lee Hyeong-jae, both belong to the R&D Innovation Division and are recognized for leading the group’s technological competitiveness.
A notable feature of this round of appointments is the placement of young leaders to strengthen field-oriented execution. Hankook & Company Group has nominated Hyungmin Yoo, Head of Strategic Innovation at Hankook Tire, as CEO of its affiliate Model Solution. He will be the first CEO in his 40s since the group’s founding and is considered the right person to enhance business strategy and execution based on his experience in strategy and planning.
Model Solution provides engineering solutions to a variety of industries, including robotics, automotive, electronics, and medical sectors. Hyungmin Yoo, the CEO nominee, has led mid- to long-term growth strategies and business portfolio advancement as Head of Strategic Innovation at Hankook Tire. His leadership, which combines strategic insight and on-site understanding, is seen as a key strength in an era of industrial transformation and intensifying technological competition.
In addition, the group has placed young executives in future growth and new business sectors to accelerate responsiveness to change, while balancing senior and next-generation talent to enhance execution across the organization.
A representative from Hankook & Company Group stated, “This round of executive appointments focused on pursuing both change and innovation with the goal of mid- to long-term growth and establishing a stable management system,” adding, “We will further strengthen our fundamental competitiveness and solidify our status as a global high-tech group.”
This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.
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