Kotra Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Kotra has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and regional development.

Driven by a commitment to global trade, Kotra fosters international economic cooperation and facilitates business expansion for South Korean enterprises, solidifying its position as a vital government-backed promotion agency.

Leadership Roles at Kotra

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jeong-yeol Yoo
  • President and Chief Executive Officer - Hwan-Eik Cho
  • President and Chief Executive Officer - Ki-Hwa Hong
  • Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel - Leo Dillen
  • Regional President - Donguk Park
  • President, Kotra (Japan) - Yongmin Park
  • Jeong-yeol Yoo - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jeong-yeol Yoo, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Kotra, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for this South Korean government trade and investment promotion organization. Yoo's leadership guides Kotra's mission to foster international economic cooperation and facilitate business expansion for South Korean enterprises. This executive role involves setting the strategic vision for global market engagement and ensuring alignment with national economic objectives. Jeong-yeol Yoo oversees the organization's efforts to promote trade and attract foreign investment, driving initiatives that enhance South Korea's global economic footprint. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass managing key relationships with international partners and government bodies, ensuring Kotra effectively serves its mandate. This leadership position is central to advancing the organization's impact on the global stage.
    Jeong-yeol Yoo

    Hwan-Eik Cho - President and Chief Executive Officer

    Hwan-Eik Cho, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Kotra, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of the organization's global trade and investment promotion activities. Cho's tenure focuses on enhancing South Korea's economic ties worldwide and supporting the international growth of domestic businesses. This critical leadership role involves defining organizational priorities and ensuring effective execution of initiatives aimed at boosting exports and attracting foreign direct investment. Hwan-Eik Cho drives the organization's engagement with international markets, fostering partnerships and facilitating market access for Korean companies. The President and Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes overseeing the development and implementation of policies that support bilateral trade relations and economic development. Cho's leadership is instrumental in navigating complex global economic landscapes to achieve Kotra's objectives.

    Ki-Hwa Hong - President and Chief Executive Officer

    Ki-Hwa Hong, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Kotra, leads the strategic planning and execution of the organization's mandate as a government-operated trade and investment promotion agency for South Korea. Hong's leadership emphasizes strengthening international economic partnerships and facilitating the global expansion of South Korean industries. This executive position involves setting the strategic agenda for promoting exports, attracting foreign investment, and supporting overseas business ventures for Korean companies. Ki-Hwa Hong directs efforts to enhance market access and foster collaborative economic initiatives across various regions. The President and Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include overseeing the organization's global network and ensuring its effectiveness in achieving national economic development goals. Hong's strategic oversight is crucial for Kotra's role in the international business community.

    Leo Dillen - Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel

    Leo Dillen, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel at Kotra, manages the day-to-day operational functions and oversees the execution of strategic initiatives within the organization. Dillen's role is critical in ensuring the efficient functioning of Kotra's trade and investment promotion activities, supporting South Korean businesses in their global endeavors. This executive position involves optimizing internal processes, resource allocation, and operational workflows to maximize the organization's effectiveness. Leo Dillen directs the implementation of operational strategies that align with Kotra's mission of fostering international economic cooperation. The Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel's responsibilities include supervising various departments to ensure seamless service delivery and project completion. Dillen's focus is on driving operational excellence and supporting the organization's broader economic objectives.

    Donguk Park - Regional President

    Donguk Park, the Regional President at Kotra, leads and directs trade and investment promotion efforts within specific geographic territories, driving South Korea's economic engagement across key international markets. Park's responsibilities involve developing and executing regional strategies to facilitate business expansion for South Korean enterprises and attract foreign investment into the country. This executive role focuses on understanding and navigating the unique economic landscapes of assigned regions, fostering strong bilateral relationships. Donguk Park oversees the operational activities and team management within the designated regions, ensuring alignment with Kotra's overall mission. The Regional President's impact is measured by the success in promoting exports, supporting overseas ventures, and strengthening economic ties in their respective areas of operation.

    Yongmin Park - President, Kotra (Japan)

    Yongmin Park, the President, Kotra (Japan), spearheads the organization's trade and investment promotion activities specifically within the Japanese market, fostering economic collaboration between South Korea and Japan. Park's leadership focuses on identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for South Korean businesses to expand their presence and operations in Japan, while also encouraging Japanese investment into South Korea. This executive role involves developing tailored strategies to navigate the Japanese business environment and strengthen bilateral economic ties. Yongmin Park directs the Kotra (Japan) team in executing programs designed to boost exports, facilitate market entry, and support joint ventures. The President, Kotra (Japan)'s primary objective is to enhance economic interdependence and mutual growth between the two nations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kotra Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Kotra?
    Kotra is led by Jeong-yeol Yoo (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Hwan-Eik Cho (President and Chief Executive Officer) and Ki-Hwa Hong (President and Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Kotra’s executive team?
    The executive team of Kotra includes leaders such as Jeong-yeol Yoo (President & Chief Executive Officer), Hwan-Eik Cho (President and Chief Executive Officer), Ki-Hwa Hong (President and Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Kotra have?
    Kotra has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Kotra’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Kotra includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel, Regional President.