SK Group retains SK hynix chief, reshuffles energy unit leadership

SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Yonhap) -- SK Group, a South Korean conglomerate with business ranging from semiconductors to construction, said Friday it will retain the chief executive officers (CEOs) of major affiliates, including SK hynix Inc., while reshuffling the leadership at its energy-related units.

Industry observers say the annual executive reshuffle puts emphasis on maintaining stability in existing management structures while promoting business competitiveness through leaders with specialized expertise, following a sweeping management overhaul at major affiliates last year.

SK hynix will retain CEO Kwak Noh-jung, who has led the company since March 2022.

The world's second-largest memory chipmaker reported record high revenue and operating profit for the third quarter, driven by robust demand for memory chips amid the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. It also announced a shareholder return program worth more than 100 trillion won (US$75.3 billion) for 2026.

The company has also established a new executive-level post overseeing its American operations to strengthen ties with major U.S. technology companies and secure more orders.

Ahn Hyun will lead the newly created Americas division and adjusted responsibilities among key executives, SK hynix said.

SK Inc., the group's holding company, also retained CEO Jang Yong-ho.

Jang, however, will step down as CEO of SK Innovation Co., an energy affiliate, a position he had held concurrently, to focus on managing the holding company.

SK Innovation has nominated Cheong Seung-il, previously in charge of future growth at SK and an expert in power and energy, as its new CEO.