The Korea Society welcomes you to the latest episode of its Leadership Interview Series with Jeong-Woo Choi, CEO of POSCO Holdings and Chairman of POSCO Group, an iconic Korean company. Chairman Choi is in conversation with Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, Korea Society Board Chair and President of Korea Economic Institute of America.
The conversation reviews POSCO Group’s extraordinary half-century rise to become a leading global steelmaker and much more. Chairman Choi describes its current vision as it continues to broaden into new markets and technologies, including hydrogen, batteries, and more. How are rising protectionism, emerging industrial policy, and the challenges of geopolitical flux, climate change, and supply chain management impacting POSCO Group’s operations and plans? Chairman Choi also discusses how it fits into the growing nexus of multi-faceted U.S.-South Korean economic ties and how it is advancing its ESG initiatives to promote sustainable and green industries.
Co-hosted by The Korea Society and The Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI), this program was recorded at POSCO Center in Seoul on May 11, 2023.
Interview with POSCO Group Chairman Jeong-Woo Choi
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | 6:30 PM (EDT)
The Korea Society 350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor New York, NY 10017
Jeong-Woo Choi CEO, POSCO Holdings Chairman, POSCO Group
Mr. Choi, Jeong-Woo joined the steel industry in 1983, and has spent his entire professional career at POSCO in South Korea. In 2006, he became the Head of Finance Department which began his lifelong commitment to strategic and financial planning both in POSCO and its affiliates, namely, POSCO E&C, POSCO International and POSCO Future M.
While serving as the Head of Corporate Strategy & Finance Center at POSCO and as the CFO from 2015, he successfully led group-wide restructuring efforts which laid the foundation for POSCO’s next leap in the face of rapidly changing business environment. His stints at POSCO’s affiliates have enhanced his understanding of the entire POSCO Group, which makes him the optimal leader to create cross-affiliate synergy and competitiveness.
He became the CEO of POSCO in July 2018, and then the CEO of POSCO Holdings in Mar. 2022.
He earned his B.A. in Economics from Pusan National University in Busan, the second largest city of Korea.
Join us for the latest episode of our Leadership Interview Series with FILA Holdings Corporation & Acushnet Holdings Corporation Chairman Gene Yoon, moderated by The Korea Society’s President & CEO Tom Byrne.
Chairman Gene Yoon has a legendary story of success as a self-made businessman. His early career in business was a stepping stone that paved the way to his leveraged buyout of the global FILA brand in 2007. He brought the storied Italian-born brand back to life after taking the company public in Korea in 2010.
Chairman Yoon will share inspiring lessons and insights learned from his remarkable career, guided by his entrepreneurial spirit. Chairman Yoon will recount his career milestones and how he achieved business successes against formidable odds. He currently serves as the Chairman of both FILA Holdings Corporation and Acushnet Holdings Corporation, which hold the trademarks for FILA as well as Titleist and FootJoy respectively. Under his leadership, he has propelled both firms to oversee leading global golf and sportswear brands.
Chairman Yoon has received numerous accolades in his career and serves on the board of The Korea Society.
Yoon Soo (Gene) Yoon Chairman FILA Holdings Corp.｜Acushnet Holdings Corp.
EXPERIENCE
Apr. 2007-Present
Chairman | FILA Holdings Corp.
July 2011-Present
Chairman | Acushnet Holdings Corp. (Titleist ® and FootJoy ® are trademarks owned by Acushnet.)
Dec. 2015-Present
Chairman | Magnus Holdings Co., Ltd.
May 2014-Present
Board Member | The Korea Society
2017 – 2022
CEO and a Director of Piemonte
2015 – 2017
Vice-chairman of Korea Mécénat Association
Sep. 7, 2012
Co-chair of the ITHF’s Legends Ball 2012
2012 – 2021
Non-Executive Director of Korea Golf Association(KGA)
2009 – 2012
Executive Vice Chairman of Korea International Trade Association (KITA)
2004 – 2008
Outside Director of Shinhan Financial Group
1999 – 2001
First President of Italian-Korean Business Association (IKBA)
1999 – 2001
Non-executive Director of Hanvit Bank (Compensation Committee)
1985 – 2017
Chairman of Care Line Corp.
1984 – 1985
President of Daewoon Trading Co.
1981 – 1984
Export Director of Hwasung Co., Ltd
1975 – 1981
Merchandiser(MD) of JC Penney
1973 – 1975
Staff of Korea Shipping Corporation (KSC)
EDUCATION
Feb. 25, 1974
Graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies with a Bachelor’s degree in the department of Political Science & Diplomacy.
Feb. 11, 1964
Graduated from Seoul High School
HONORS
Feb. 21, 2022
Be awarded an honorary doctorate in Business from Sejong University
Jan. 23, 2015
Be awarded the first recipient of the Staff Sgt. Kim Sang-won Distinguished Former KATUSA Award
Dec. 1, 2014
Be awarded The 7th honorary member of the Korea Academy of Science and Technology (KAST)
Apr. 5, 2014
Be awarded the Global CEO from Korean Academy of International Business
Dec. 11, 2013
Be awarded the Presidential Citation at the 6th Korea Fashion Awards
Nov. 28, 2012
Be awarded Master from Entrepreneur Of The Year Korea 2012
Feb. 24, 2012
Be nominated as a Commencement Speaker for the Seoul National University’s 66th Graduation Ceremony in 2012
Apr. 13, 2010
Be awarded Honorary Citizenship of FILA’s Home City of Biella, Italy
Dec. 12, 2008
“Chevalier of the Order of the Merit of the Italian Republic” from Italian Government
Dec. 12, 2008
Special award in the ‘Global CEO’ category of the 4th Korea CEO Grand Prix hosted by the Korea CEO Research Forum
Mar. 5, 2007
Be selected as a model taxpayer and received the Presidential Commendation at the 41st Taxpayer’s Day(FILA KOREA)
Apr. 20, 2004
Be selected as “Proud Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) Alumnus Award” in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the University
Feb. 12, 2004
Be awarded as the “Proud Suwon Middle School Alumni Award”
Dec. 17, 2001
Be selected for the “Proud Seoul Citizen Award” from Seoul Metropolitan Government
Dec. 4, 2000
Be awarded as the “2000 Proud Seoul People” from the Seoul High School Alumni Association
Mar. 3, 2000
Received the Presidential Commendation as a model taxpayer at the 34 th Taxpayer’s Day.
June 1, 1998
Be awarded the Dasan Management Award by Korea Economy Newspaper
Dec. 23, 1992
Be awarded the Industrial Design Award from the President Roh Tae-woo
PUBLICATIONS
July 2, 2011
[THE AGE OF GLOBAL SUCCESS “The man of 4 million miles – Fila Chairman Gene Yoon”] aired on KBS 1 TV(No.1 Public service broadcaster in Korea)
Apr 20, 2002
“HOW TO BECOME A GREAT BOSS: The Rules for Getting and Keeping the Best Employees”, by the best-selling author Jeffrey J. Fox, translated into Korean from English (THE NAN Contents Group)
Apr 5 – Apr 18, 2002
Contributed a column “My Business Story” to The Maeil Business Newspaper
Sep 5 – Oct 31, 2001
Contributed a column “Hankyung Essay” to The Korea Economic Daily Newspape
July 1, 2001
“The speed of thought should be fast”(Yeobaek Media)
Aug 16, 1999 – Mar 23, 2000
Contributed a column “Management Aesthetics of Yoon Soo Yoon” to The Seoul Economic Daily Newspaper
Dec. 12, 1997
“The reason why I get 1.8 billion won a year”(Chosun)
The Korea Society, Maekyung Media Group, Korea Finance Society, National Pension Service, and Korea Investment Corporation are co-hosting the Global Financial Leaders Forum 2023 on April 18, 2023. This event brings together leading figures from the finance community to discuss emerging trends in today’s finance landscape and exchange insights on new pathways for investment. This year, the forum will be convened in a series of high-level panels under the theme of “How to Survive an Economic Inflection Point Under Uncertainty”
This is an invitation-only event.
New York Global Financial Leaders Forum 2023 Lotte Hotel New York Palace
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 | 5:30 PM (EDT)
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5:30 PM | Registration 6:00 PM | Program
Opening Session
Seungjoon Chang, Vice Chairman, Maekyung Media Group Thomas Byrne, President & CEO, The Korea Society
Session I: How to Navigate the Economic Maelstrom
Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder, Blackstone
Moderator: Yung Ku Ha, Chairman, Blackstone Korea
Session II: Downside Protected Investing in Times of Macro Uncertainty
Alex Chi, Americas Co-Head of Private Credit, Goldman Sachs Asset Management Thibault Gournay, Co-CIO, Anchorage Capital Group
Moderator: Sandor Hau, Co-Chairman, Korea Finance Society
Join us for a conversation with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon moderated by The Korea Society President & CEOTom Byrne. This interview is reintroduced under ‘Local Leadership in a Global Context,’ to unveil fresh perspectives in this newly announced series. Mayor Oh assesses topical issues facing Seoul, including his approach to the city’s comprehensive institutional frameworks as well as the development of public policies. Mayor Oh also shares his vision and insights on the future role of Seoul in the realm of science, technology, and finance and the importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance in shaping Seoul as a globally competitive metropolis.
This program was recorded at Seoul City Hall when President Byrne recently visited South Korea.
Interview with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 | 6 PM (EST)
The Korea Society 350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor New York, NY 10017
Oh Se-hoon worked as a lawyer before entering into politics after being elected as a member of the Korean National Assembly in 2000 at the age of 40. He is known for leading the legislative process of the Political Reform Law, also referred to as the “Oh Se-hoon Law”, which was helpful in establishing a transparent election culture in Korea.
During his terms as the 33rd and 34th Mayor of Seoul from 2006 to 2010, he introduced “Creative Governance” in city administration and implemented the “Women Happiness” project, which led to Seoul receiving two UN Public Service Awards in 2009.
He adopted “Design Seoul” policies to raise city competitiveness, and Seoul was designated as the UNESCO World Design Capital in 2010. His “SHift” policy, which is a long-term rental housing policy for the middle class and particularly for those who are not homeowners, was recognized by the UN as an exemplary urban housing policy.
Also in 2010, he initiated the founding of WeGO, the World e-Government Organization (World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization), the aim of which is to facilitate exchanges and cooperation among cities in the world to ensure sustainable development in the future. He served as WeGO’s first President.
Later, as a member of an advisory group for KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), he traveled to Lima, Peru and Kigali, Rwanda to actively promote Seoul’s best practices in city administration to developing countries. He is currently serving as the 38th Mayor of Seoul, and is focused not only on leading swift and effective measures to tackle COVID-19, but also on putting Seoul alongside globally competitive top cities in the world with special emphasis on developing cutting-edge science and technology and the international financial industry.
The Maekyung Media Group, The Korea Society, Korea Finance Society, and Korea Investment Corporation are co-hosting the Global Financial Leaders Forum 2022 on October 12, 2022. This annual flagship event brings together leading figures from the finance community across the world to discuss emerging trends in today’s finance landscape and exchange insights on new pathways for investment. This year, the forum will be convened in a series of high-level panels under the central theme of “Ultra Leading Strategy Under Ultra Tightening Era”.
This is an invitation-only event.
GLOBAL FINANCIAL LEADERS FORUM 2022 Ultra Leading Strategy Under Ultra Tightening Era
The Westin New York at Times Square 270 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
October 12, 2022 | 5 PM (EDT)
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5:00 PM | Registration 5:20 PM | Program
Alongside the 2022 GFLF, Maekyung, The Korea Society, KFS, and KIC will co-host two relevant events: the 2022 New York Money Show on October 11 and the K-Wall St. Platform on October 12 at The Korea Society, before the GFLF. If you are interested in learning more about the events, please check out their websites as well.
Seungjoon Chang, Vice Chairman, Maekyung Media Group Thomas Byrne, President & CEO, The Korea Society Byung-hwa Chung, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in New York
5:35~5:40 | Congratulatory Session
David Rubenstein, Co-Founder, The Carlyle Group
5:40~6:10 | Session I: Navigating the Economy in a Volatile and Uncertain Time
Jacob Lew, 76th US Secretary of the Treasury | Managing Partner of Lindsay Goldberg
Moderator: Yup Kim, Head of Investments, Private Equity, CalPERS
Jae S. Yoon, CIO, New York Life Investment Management | Chairman, NYLIM Asia
6:30~6:50 | Session III: Changes and Future of US Financial Market
Ethan Harris, Head, Global Economics Research, Bank of America Global
6:50~7:10 | Session IV: Investment Strategies in Current Markets
Thomas Lee, Managing Partner, Fundstrat Global Advisors
7:10~7:15 | Closing Remarks
Sandor Hau, Co-Chairman, Korea Finance Society
7:15~8:00 | Dinner
8:00~9:00 | Networking Session (Cocktail Party)
About the Speakers:
Jacob Lew 76th US Secretary of the Treasury | Managing Partner of Lindsay Goldberg
Career
* 2017 to present: Managing Partner, Lindsay Goldberg * 2013 – 2017: 76th United States Secretary of the Treasury (under President Barack Obama – succeeded Tim Geithner) * 2012 – 2013: 25th White House Chief of Staff During the Obama and Clinton administrations: Director of the Office of Management and Budget * 2006 – 2008: COO, Citigroup * 2001 – 2006: Executive vice-president of operations, New York University * 1993 – 1994: Special Assistant to the President under Bill Clinton * Worked also as an attorney in private practice
Education
* A.B., Harvard College * J.D., Georgetown University Law Center
Jae S. Yoon CIO, New York Life Investment Management | Chairman, NYLIM Asia
Jae is the Chief Investment Officer of New York Life Investment Management, LLC (NYLIM). He serves as the Chairman of the Investment Governance Committee, responsible for the oversight of the investment performance of the strategies managed by NYLIM’s boutiques and affiliate portfolio teams. He also leads the Multi-Asset Solutions (MAS) team, which manages third-party multi asset strategies and economic analysis for New York Life.
Jae joined the firm in 2005, managing the investment risk and strategy efforts at NYLIM’s investment affiliate MacKay Shields. Previously, he was Head of Quantitative Research, Analytics and Risk Management at Western Asset Management and Head of Risk and Performance for the Pacific and European Regions at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers in Tokyo and London, respectively. He also worked at JP Morgan Securities in Asia as regional head of Risk Management Control for Fixed Income and Equity Derivative Trading. He has worked in the financial services industry since 1991.
He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a M.S. in Operations Research.
Ethan Harris Head, Global Economics Research, Bank of America Global
Ethan Harris is the head of Global Economics Research at BoA Global Research. He coordinates the global economics forecast and publication and manages the developed markets economics team. Harris regularly ranks highly in investor polls and forecast surveys.
Before coming to BoA Securities, Harris was the chief U.S. economist at Lehman Brothers. He also worked as an economist at Barclays and JP Morgan and spent nine years at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he was an assistant to the president and head of the Domestic Research Division. Harris is a founding member of the U.S. Monetary Policy Forum, a member of the World Economic Forum Community of Chief Economists and a member of the Economic Advisory Committee of the American Banker Association. He is the author of Ben Bernanke’s Fed.
Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Clark University and a PhD in economics from Columbia University, where he was a University Fellow.
Thomas J. Lee Managing Partner, Fundstrat Global Advisors
Thomas Lee is a Managing Partner and the Head of Research at Fundstrat Global Advisors. He is an accomplished Wall Street strategist with over 25 years of experience in equity research, and has been top ranked by Institutional Investor every year since 1998. Prior to co-founding Fundstrat, he served most recently as J.P. Morgan’s Chief Equity Strategist from 2007 to 2014, and previously as Managing Director at Salomon Smith Barney. His areas of expertise include Market Strategy, Small/Mid-Cap Strategy and Telecom Services.
Mr. Lee received his BSE from the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania with concentrations in Finance and Accounting. He is a CFA charterholder and is an active member of NYSSA and the NY Economic Club
Moderator:
Yup Kim Head of Investments, Private Equity, CalPERS
The Maekyung Media Group, The Korea Society, Korea Finance Society, and Korea Investment Corporation are co-hosting a new mentorship program, ‘K-Wall St. Platform.’ The K-Wall St. Platform invites well-seasoned Korean-American experts with banking and investing backgrounds to provide career-building opportunities to young, prospective Korean financiers aspiring to find jobs on Wall Street. This event is held on the sideline of the 2022 Global Financial Leaders Forum and is tailored exclusively for selected entry-level applicants through screening.
2022 K-Wall St. Platform
The Korea Society 350 Madison Ave., 24th floor, New York, NY 10017
Kicking off the 2022 Global Financial Leaders Forum, Maekyung Media Group, The Korea Society, Korea Finance Society, and Korean Investment Corporation will co-host the 2022 New York Money Show.
Kicking off the 2022 Global Financial Leaders Forum, Maekyung Media Group, The Korea Society, Korea Finance Society, and Korean Investment Corporation will co-host the 2022 New York Money Show. Please join us in this informative session as we invite top experts in equity, real estate, and cryptocurrency investment industries for a lively discussion on investment strategy.
This is an in-person event open to the public. To sign up, please find the RSVP link below.
2022 New York Money Show
The Korea Society 350 Madison Ave., 24th floor, New York, NY 10017
The Korea Society’s ‘Leadership Interview Series’ highlights the roles made by distinguished leaders from the U.S. and Korea in strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the people of Korea and the U.S. The speakers share their personal and professional experiences in the realms of business, economics, education and public policy. Leading the discussions are Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, Chair of the Board of Directors, or Tom Byrne, President and CEO.
Please join us as we seek to gain a better awareness and understanding of issues of common interest between the people of Korea and the U.S.
Interview with Bank of Korea Governor Rhee, Chang Yong
Tuesday, November 4, 2025|
Please join us for a timely conversation with Dr. Rhee, Chang Yong, Governor of the Bank of Korea, as he discusses key issues shaping global and domestic economic policy. Governor Rhee sat down with Thomas Byrne, President & CEO of The Korea Society… Read More
Interview with President and Global Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor Company, José Muñoz
Tuesday, August 29, 2023 | 6:00 PM (EDT)|
Welcome to the latest installment of the Korea Society’s Leadership Interview Series featuring José Muñoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, who also serves as the President and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America… Read More
Interview with POSCO Group Chairman Jeong-Woo Choi
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | 6:30 PM (EDT)|
The Korea Society welcomes you to the latest episode of its Leadership Interview Series with Jeong-Woo Choi, CEO of POSCO Holdings and Chairman of POSCO Group, an iconic Korean company. Chairman Choi will be in conversation with Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, Korea Society Board Chair and President of Korea Economic Institute of America… Read More
Join us for the latest episode of our Leadership Interview Series with FILA Holdings Corporation & Acushnet Holdings Corporation Chairman Gene Yoon, moderated by The Korea Society’s President & CEO Tom Byrne… Read More
Interview with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 | 6 PM (EST)|
Join us for our latest edition of the Leadership Interview Series with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon moderated by The Korea Society President & CEO Tom Byrne. In this conversation, Mayor Oh assesses topical issues facing Seoul, including his approach to the city’s comprehensive institutional frameworks as well as the development of public policies… Read More
Catching the K-Investment Wave in the USA
Thursday, June 16, 2022 | 6 PM (EDT)|
The United States and South Korea have a well-established “gold standard” Free Trade Agreement. Now, as international economic relationships are shifting to strategic frameworks and concerns over supply-chain robustness and resiliency, Korean investment in the U.S is gaining attention and transforming the bilateral relationship into a new dynamic… Read More
Interview with CJ Group Chairman Kyung Shik Sohn
Premiere on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 | 6 PM (EDT)|
The Korea Society is pleased to invite Mr. Kyung Shik Sohn, Chairman of CJ Group, for a conversation with the Society’s President/CEO Tom Byrne. In this upcoming episode of our President’s Interview Series, Chairman Sohn… Read More
Women in Higher Education: A Discussion with Dr. Eun Mee Kim & Dr. Sian Leah Beilock
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 | 8 AM (EDT)|
Womens’ Universities have emerged as premier institutions in higher education, amplifying womens’ voices from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. In the fourth installation of our Womens’ Leadership Series, please join us at The Korea Society to hear from Dr. Eun Mee Kim, President of Ewha Womans University in Seoul, and Dr. Sian Leah Beilock, President of Barnard College in New York City…. Read More
Interview with ROK Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo
Friday, March 18, 2022|
March 15, 2022 marks the 10-year anniversary of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). In celebration of this remarkable milestone, The Korea Society invites ROK Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo for a conversation with Korea Society President Tom Byrne… Read More
Interview with LG Chem CEO Hak Cheol Shin
Premieres: Wednesday, December 8, 2021 | 6 PM ET|
Join us for a conversation between Mr. Hak Cheol Shin, Chief Executive Officer of LG Chem, and Tom Byrne, the President and CEO of The Korea Society. In this third episode of the ‘President’s Interview Series,’ Mr. Shin will discuss his remarkable career starting out from 3M Korea and serving as the Vice Chair at 3M headquarter… Read More
Talking COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation with President John Rim
Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | 7 PM (EDT)|
Join us for a conversation between Mr. John Rim, President and CEO of Samsung Biologics, and Tom Byrne, the President and CEO of The Korea Society. In this second episode of the ‘President’s Interview Series,’ President Rim will discuss his extensive career and senior leadership roles in the biopharmaceutical industry, as well as his current role as the head of Samsung Biologics… Read More
A Conversation with Chairman Yongmaan Park
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 | 7 PM (EDT)|
In our inaugural episode of the ‘President’s Interview’ Series, we are pleased to invite Park Yongmaan, Chairman of Doosan Infracore for a conversation with The Korea Society’s President Tom Byrne. As one of the most successful and powerful business leaders in Korea and the world, Chairman Park will discuss his extensive career and leadership role as the Chairman of Doosan Infracore and former Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)… Read More
Women in Congress: A Conversation with U.S. Representative Young Kim
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 6 PM (EDT)
U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-39) joins The Korea Society to share her journey in becoming one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress in its 230-year history. As an immigrant, small business owner, and previous California State 65th district Assemblywoman, we will explore how Congresswoman Kim pursued the American dream to become a successful Korean American leader and politician… Read More
Women in Trade: A Talk with Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee||
Friday, February 26, 2021 | 7 PM (EST)
In the second episode of our Women’s Leadership series, we are pleased to welcome South Korean Minister for Trade Yoo Myung-hee for a conversation on her 25-year career in shaping the international trade infrastructure. As Deputy Minister for FTA Negotiations, and later Director-General for Bureau of Trade Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, Yoo Myung-hee has been at the forefront of numerous high-profile trade agreements… Read More
A Conversation with Ambassador Kathleen Stephens||
Thursday, January 28, 2021 | 6 PM (EST)
In our inaugural episode of the Korea Society’s Women in Leadership series, we are pleased to welcome Ambassador Kathleen Stephens for a conversation on her distinguished career as a world-renowned female leader. Having an extensive career in international relations, Amb. Stephens, a decorated former U.S. diplomat, will share her special and deep connections to Korea. She will also highlight her experiences in promoting the U.S-Korea relationship as a former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Peace Corp volunteer, and current President of Korea Economic Institute and Chair of The Korea Society… Read More
The United States and South Korea have a well-established “gold standard” Free Trade Agreement. Now, as international economic relationships are shifting to strategic frameworks and concerns over supply-chain robustness and resiliency, Korean investment in the U.S is gaining attention and transforming the bilateral relationship into a new dynamic. The upcoming President’s Interview Series led by Tom Byrne, the President and CEO of The Korea Society will feature the representatives from three states for an in-depth conversation: Andrew Deye, Vice President, Head of Strategy at JobsOhio, Harry M. Lightsey III, Secretary of Commerce of South Carolina Department of Commerce, and Pat Wilson, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Economic Development. The panelists will discuss the significance of the new wave of Korean direct investment in the United States. They will also cover the business, economic and political angles of the investment in each state, and how this is contributing to the “comprehensive and strategic” partnership between the U.S. and Korea.
This program is made possible by the support from JobsOhio
Catching the K-Investment Wave in the USA
Thursday, June 16, 2022 | 6 PM (EDT)
The Korea Society 350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor New York, NY 10017
Andrew Deye Vice President, Head of Strategy JobsOhio
Andrew Deye is Vice President and Head of Strategy at JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation. In this role, Andrew leads strategy, global business development, data and research functions. Since its creation in 2011, JobsOhio and its partners have supported over 3,000 investment projects – including over 500 foreign direct investment opportunities. Having been to South Korea on several occasions, he is optimistic about the future of U.S.-Korea economic opportunities.
Prior to joining JobsOhio in 2015, Andrew was an investment banker in New York and Chicago, where he worked on public-private partnerships, privatizations, financings and acquisitions. Andrew graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and obtained a master’s degree from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Harry M. Lightsey III Secretary of Commerce South Carolina Department of Commerce
Harry M. Lightsey III was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to serve as Secretary of Commerce in June 2021. A fixture in South Carolina’s business community for decades, Lightsey served in top executive leadership roles for major corporations in South Carolina and across the nation. Notably, he served as the president of BellSouth Telecommunications for South Carolina prior to the company’s merger with AT&T, afterward becoming president for AT&T’s Southeast region.
Following his 26 years in the telecommunications industry, Lightsey joined the General Motors Corporation where he directed the legacy automaker’s federal government affairs operation, as well as the emerging technologies, OnStar and infotainment divisions. Lightsey most recently served as a principal with Hawksbill Advisors – a subsidiary of Hawksbill Group. He has also served as a member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond, Virginia.
Mr. Lightsey is a 1978 graduate of Princeton University, and a 1981 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Lightsey, a native of Columbia, S.C., is married with two adult children.
Pat Wilson Commissioner Georgia Department of Economic Development
Pat Wilson was appointed Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) in November 2016. As Commissioner, he leads the state agency responsible for creating jobs and investment opportunities in Georgia through business recruitment and expansion, small business growth, international trade and tourism, as well as the arts, film and music industries. Pat is responsible for leading the GDEcD team in planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Under Governor Brian P. Kemp and Commissioner Wilson’s leadership, Georgia has been named the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business for the eighth consecutive year in a row by both Site Selection and Area Development. Under Wilson’s tenure, GDEcD was also rated as the nation’s best state-level economic development organization by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Mr. Wilson previously served as Chief Operating Officer of GDEcD from January 2011 until his appointment as Commissioner by former Governor Nathan Deal. As COO, he managed the daily operations of the agency, directed long-term strategy, managed the agency’s legislative priorities and served as the department’s liaison with the Georgia Congressional delegation and federal government partners. In addition, Pat served as Executive Director of the Georgia Allies.
Mr. Wilson joined GDEcD as Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce in 2010. Prior to that, he served on the staff of Governor Sonny Perdue as the director of government affairs, promoting the Governor’s legislative agenda at the State Capitol and managing federal affairs for the state of Georgia. He previously served as director of federal affairs for the state, opening the Washington, D.C., office in 2005. There, he promoted the state’s agenda with the U.S. Congress and federal agencies as the Governor’s representative to the Georgia congressional delegation.
Before joining state government, Mr. Wilson was director of governmental affairs for Greenberg Traurig, LLP, in Washington. He served under the late Senator Paul Coverdell and under then-Representative Nathan Deal.
He is a Franklin Springs, Georgia, native, and holds an undergraduate degree in political science with a focus on international relations from the University of Georgia. He and his wife Melissa and their two children, Padgett and Carter, reside in Sandy Springs.
The Korea Society is pleased to invite Mr. Kyung Shik Sohn, Chairman of CJ Group, for a conversation with the Society’s President/CEO Tom Byrne. In this upcoming episode of our President’s Interview Series, Chairman Sohn will discuss his remarkable success in growing CJ’s diversified businesses domestically and globally, and how CJ is managing an increasingly challenging global business climate. He will also inform us on his contributions to forging stronger U.S.-Korea ties. Chairman Sohn will also talk about his remarkable career and his vision as one of the most respected and influential leaders in the Korean business community.
Interview with CJ Group Chairman Kyung Shik Sohn
Premiere on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 | 6 PM (EDT)
The Korea Society 350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor New York, NY 10017
