Kotra Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Kotra has 4 executives leading key functions including strategic investment promotion, operational management, and regional market expansion.

Committed to fostering global economic partnerships, Kotra drives foreign investment into South Korea by providing comprehensive legislative support, grievance resolution, and expert guidance for international businesses seeking to establish a robust presence within the Korean market.

Leadership Roles at Kotra

  • President and Chief Executive Officer - Ki-Hwa Hong
  • President and Chief Executive Officer - Hwan-Eik Cho
  • Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel - Leo Dillen
  • Regional President - Donguk Park
  • Ki-Hwa Hong - President and Chief Executive Officer

    Ki-Hwa Hong, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Kotra, directs the overarching strategic vision for foreign investment attraction. Overseeing the agency's primary mission, the President and Chief Executive Officer manages high-level economic diplomacy initiatives to strengthen South Korea's global market position. This leadership role involves coordinating with government stakeholders to refine legislative support frameworks for international entities. By optimizing the grievance consultation process, Ki-Hwa Hong ensures that foreign-invested companies receive efficient, transparent assistance during market entry. The President and Chief Executive Officer also monitors macroeconomic trends to identify new opportunities for export growth. Through rigorous oversight of national investment policies, the executive maintains a competitive environment for global capital. Ultimately, Hong secures long-term economic stability by aligning agency resources with the evolving needs of international investors, thereby fostering a sustainable and welcoming business climate for all foreign partners operating within the region.

    Hwan-Eik Cho - President and Chief Executive Officer

    Hwan-Eik Cho, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Kotra, manages the operational execution of trade promotion programs. Focusing on the expansion of export activities, the President and Chief Executive Officer designs frameworks that assist domestic firms in accessing international markets. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with global trade partners to mitigate barriers and enhance market access. By streamlining the support services for foreign-invested companies, Hwan-Eik Cho directly impacts the efficiency of cross-border business operations. The President and Chief Executive Officer also evaluates the effectiveness of current investment incentives to ensure maximum impact on the national economy. Through the implementation of data-driven trade strategies, the executive drives growth across diverse industrial sectors. Ultimately, Cho strengthens the agency's influence by facilitating seamless interactions between local enterprises and global investors, ensuring that all trade-related initiatives align with the broader goals of economic development and international cooperation.

    Leo Dillen - Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel

    Leo Dillen, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel at Kotra, directs the internal administrative functions and operational workflows. Overseeing the daily execution of agency services, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel ensures that all departments maintain high standards of service delivery for foreign investors. This leadership role involves managing the logistical aspects of investment support, including the coordination of legislative information dissemination. By refining internal processes, Leo Dillen improves the speed and accuracy of grievance resolution services provided to international clients. The Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel also monitors the performance metrics of various support programs to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Through the optimization of resource allocation, the executive enhances the overall productivity of the agency. Ultimately, Dillen secures operational excellence by implementing robust management systems that support the seamless integration of foreign capital into the South Korean economy, thereby driving consistent value for all stakeholders.

    Donguk Park - Regional President

    Donguk Park, the Regional President at Kotra, directs the strategic implementation of investment promotion initiatives across key international markets. Overseeing the agency's regional presence, the Regional President ensures that local market intelligence informs the broader national strategy for attracting foreign capital. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with overseas business communities to facilitate entry into the Korean market. By tailoring support services to meet the specific needs of regional investors, Donguk Park enhances the effectiveness of economic diplomacy efforts. The Regional President also manages the outreach programs that connect international companies with local opportunities, ensuring a steady flow of investment. Through the analysis of regional trade dynamics, the executive identifies emerging sectors for potential collaboration. Ultimately, Park drives regional growth by bridging the gap between global investors and the Korean business environment, ensuring that the agency's mission remains relevant and impactful on a global scale.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kotra Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Kotra?
    Kotra is led by Ki-Hwa Hong (President and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Hwan-Eik Cho (President and Chief Executive Officer) and Leo Dillen (Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel).
    Who is part of Kotra’s executive team?
    The executive team of Kotra includes leaders such as Ki-Hwa Hong (President and Chief Executive Officer), Hwan-Eik Cho (President and Chief Executive Officer), Leo Dillen (Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Kotra have?
    Kotra has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Kotra’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Kotra includes roles such as President and Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel, Regional President.