Kotra Executive and Leadership Team

Ki-Hwa Hong, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Kotra, directs the overarching strategic vision for South Korean trade promotion. The President and Chief Executive Officer manages high-level government relations while architecting frameworks for international investment attraction. By aligning organizational goals with national economic objectives, Hong ensures that South Korean businesses maintain competitive advantages in global markets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine trade policies and expand the reach of domestic exports. Ki-Hwa Hong monitors macroeconomic trends to adjust the organizational trajectory, ensuring that all initiatives support long-term prosperity. Through rigorous oversight of trade promotion programs, the President and Chief Executive Officer secures vital partnerships that bolster the national economy. Ultimately, Hong drives the mission of transforming South Korea into a central hub for global commerce and industrial innovation.

Hwan-Eik Cho, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Kotra, executes operational excellence by optimizing internal processes and resource allocation. The President and Chief Executive Officer focuses on the digital transformation of trade services, ensuring that exporters access real-time market data and logistical support. By streamlining the interface between government agencies and private sector entities, Cho enhances the efficiency of trade facilitation services. This leadership role requires constant engagement with international stakeholders to identify emerging market opportunities for South Korean firms. Hwan-Eik Cho manages the implementation of advanced analytical tools to track export performance and investment inflows. Through the systematic evaluation of trade barriers, the President and Chief Executive Officer develops actionable strategies to mitigate risks for domestic companies. Ultimately, Cho strengthens the organizational infrastructure to support scalable growth and sustained international market penetration.

Leo Dillen, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel at Kotra, manages the daily execution of trade promotion activities and operational workflows. The Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel oversees the deployment of resources across various departments to ensure seamless service delivery for international clients. By refining internal protocols, Dillen improves the speed and accuracy of trade support services provided to South Korean enterprises. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to address complex logistical challenges in global supply chains. Leo Dillen monitors performance metrics to maintain high standards of operational efficiency and service quality. Through the integration of standardized management practices, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Operationeel drives productivity gains across the entire organization. Ultimately, Dillen ensures that all operational activities remain perfectly aligned with the broader strategic objectives of the agency.

Donguk Park, the Regional President at Kotra, directs market expansion initiatives and regional trade development across key international territories. The Regional President architects localized strategies to increase the presence of South Korean products in foreign markets. By analyzing regional economic conditions, Park identifies specific sectors for investment and export growth. This leadership role involves building strong networks with local business leaders and government officials to facilitate smoother market entry for domestic firms. Donguk Park oversees the performance of regional offices, ensuring that each location meets established trade targets and investment goals. Through the implementation of targeted outreach programs, the Regional President fosters deeper commercial ties between South Korea and international partners. Ultimately, Park drives regional growth by translating global trade policies into effective, localized actions that deliver measurable economic impact for the organization.