South Korea's SK Group Names Former Energy Chief Jeong Seung-il to Lead SK Innovation
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![Jeong Seung-il, the new president of Korea Electric Power Corporation. [Yonhap News]](https://f005.backblazeb2.com/file/timeschicago/articles/article_1793318856576.webp)
As the new leader of SK Innovation, in a leadership reshuffle aimed at strengthening its energy business.
The appointment was reported by the Seoul Economic Daily on October 29, 2026, ahead of the group's expected executive announcement on October 30.
From government energy leadership to corporate management
Jeong previously served as South Korea's vice minister of trade, industry and energy. He also led two major state-linked energy organisations: Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) and KEPCO.
He joined SK Group earlier in 2026 as president of future growth at SK Inc., where he worked on business strategy and energy-related growth opportunities.
AI data centres drive demand for electricity
The proposed leadership change comes as South Korea's technology industry faces increasing electricity requirements from artificial intelligence infrastructure and semiconductor manufacturing.
SK Group operates businesses across semiconductors, batteries, energy and telecommunications. SK Innovation plays an important role in its energy portfolio, including refining, petrochemicals, batteries and power generation.
Jeong's experience in electricity and energy policy could be relevant as the group works to coordinate its energy operations with the expansion of its semiconductor businesses.
Leadership restructuring at SK Group
The reported appointment is part of a broader management reshuffle. Current SK Innovation co-CEOs Chang Yong-ho and Choo Hyung-wook are expected to step down from their positions, according to the newspaper's report.
Chang is expected to concentrate on managing SK Inc.,the group's holding company. The changes are intended to strengthen coordination between the group's energy and technology operations.
What happens next?
SK Group was expected to announce its executive reshuffle on October 30. Jeong's reported appointment will be worth watching as the company develops its energy strategy alongside growing demand from AI and semiconductor industries.
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