October 22, 2025
SEOUL – South Korea’s largest conglomerates are fast-tracking leadership transitions to navigate an increasingly volatile global economy marked by slowing growth, intensifying US-China trade tensions and mounting trade pressures.
According to industry sources Tuesday, the country’s four major business groups — Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG — are poised to announce notable leadership changes by November. The reshuffles are being driven primarily by a renewed emphasis on the US market, as these conglomerates aim to increase investments in response to shifting economic dynamics under President Donald Trump.
SK Group is expected to spearhead the leadership transitions, with an announcement slated for late October or early November. The group’s upcoming CEO seminar, set for Nov. 6-8, will serve as the first official platform for the new leadership, laying the groundwork for SK’s strategic direction in 2026.
Chey Chang-won, chair of the SK Supex Council, hinted that discussions on the group’s future strategy could commence soon after the leadership changes are finalized. His comments at September’s Ulsan Forum have sparked speculation that the reshuffle may occur ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics, which traditionally announces leadership changes in early December, is reportedly accelerating its timeline to late November. Some industry watchers suggest that the announcements could come even earlier than expected.
One key point of interest is whether Samsung will reinstate a centralized “control tower” similar to the now-defunct Future Strategy Office, which was disbanded in February 2017. While the current business support task force oversees group operations, there is increasing sentiment that a more formalized structure is needed.
Lee Chan-hee, chair of Samsung’s compliance committee, recently told reporters, “To strengthen the group’s competitiveness, Samsung’s control tower must be rebuilt.”
Roh Tae-moon, acting head of the device experience division, is widely expected to be promoted to vice chairman. Executives in Samsung’s semiconductor division, including Vice Chairman and Co-CEO Jun Young-hyun, Chief Technology Officer Song Jae-kyuk and President Han Jin-man, are likely to retain their positions, as the chip business shows signs of recovery.
LG Group, similarly, is preparing to announce leadership changes by the end of November, following its business report meetings. Amid increasing external uncertainties and a need to reinforce ties with the United States, LG is focusing on internal restructuring.
Chair Koo Kwang-mo has stressed the importance of improving the “structural competitiveness” of its subsidiaries, with key personnel changes expected, particularly within struggling units such as LG Chem.
Hyundai Motor Group, which adjusted its leadership lineup ahead of schedule last year in anticipation of the Trump administration’s second term, is also preparing for another reshuffle in November.
Despite a substantial overhaul last year, the group may pursue another major restructuring to better align with its US operations, in response to increasing tariff risks and a challenging business climate in the region.
In addition to the leadership changes, these conglomerates are expected to markedly ramp up their investments in the US, with 2026 projections suggesting record-breaking levels. This renewed focus on the US was highlighted by an unprecedented “golf summit” last week, which brought together top executives, including Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong and President Trump, at Mar-a-Lago estate.
“As global uncertainties mount, early leadership changes reflect a strategic and proactive response by the country’s largest conglomerates,” said an industry source who requested anonymity. “These moves are designed to address economic slowdowns and trade challenges, while aligning leadership transitions with strategies to secure new growth opportunities.”
