KaKao

 - Chung Shin-Ah's Role: Bringing deep IT-commerce expertise and business acumen into Kakao's business/services

 - Securing AI technology initiative capabilities and establishing a system and structure to meet societal expectations

 

[December 13, 2023] This morning, Kakao Corporation announced the nomination of Chung Shin-Ah, 48, current Head of Business Operations and Representative of Kakao Ventures, as the sole representative candidate. The Board Candidate Recommendation Committee has endorsed her appointment, which is set to be finalized in March following the board and shareholders' meetings.

 

Kakao emphasized the need for visionary leadership to spearhead transformative changes. Chung Shin-Ah, with her extensive IT expertise and deep understanding of corporate growth challenges, emerged as the ideal choice. She will focus on enhancing AI technology initiatives and developing systems that resonate with societal values.

 

Chung's journey with Kakao Ventures began in 2014, following significant stints at Boston Consulting Group, eBay Asia-Pacific Headquarters, and Naver. Since 2018, as the head of Kakao Ventures, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the IT landscape, driving investments in diverse startups across AI-robotics, mobile platforms, gaming, and digital healthcare. Her decade-long venture capital experience has honed her analytical prowess, enabling her to navigate startups from their inception to unicorn status effectively. She also possesses comprehensive insights into Kakao's various businesses and services, including commerce and advertising.

 

Since March 2023, Chung has served as a non-executive director at Kakao, deepening her grasp of the company's operations and services. Expanding her responsibilities in September, she took charge of the business division within the CA consortium and now actively contributes to the Management Innovation Committee's discussions on strategic innovations. As the nominated leader, she will head the renewal task force, orchestrating Kakao's innovative strategies and overseeing their implementation.

 

Reflecting on her new role, Chung Shin-Ah shared, "Assuming leadership at such a pivotal juncture is both a substantial responsibility and a mission. My focus will be on responsible management attuned to societal needs, emphasizing the company's core future business sectors. I am committed to seizing the moment for change, recognizing the urgency of the times for Kakao."

 

Kakao's Chairman of the Management Innovation Committee, Kim Beom-Soo, highlighted at a recent employee event, "Kakao is at a juncture where it needs to attempt fundamental changes. Our goal is to build a leadership team capable of navigating this new phase for Kakao." (End)