Deutsche boosts top management in Korea

Deutsche Bank has made a key executive appointment in the region, bringing in Soo-Ryong Kim to a newly created role of executive chairman for Korea. In his new position, Kim will oversee all current business activities for Deutsche in Korea, while also guiding the firm's expansion of business activities in the country.

He reports to Colin Grassie, chief executive officer, Deutsche Bank, Asia-Pacific and upon taking up the post, also becomes a member of its regional executive committee for Asia-Pacific.

Kim's experience in the banking industry and as an advisor to the Korean government has spanned 28 years. He is currently a member of the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC), a commissioner of the Presidential Committee on Northeast Asian Cooperation Initiative (Korea Business Hub) and until recently, was chairman of the Presidential Special Committee for the Implementation of the Incheon Free Economic Zone.

Aside from the public sector, Kim has also been of chairman of Meridien Partners in the US and Korea and has also held senior roles with Chase Manhattan Bank in Korea, Chemical Securities in Hong Kong and the position of investment officer for the alternative investment group (Latin American Corporate Finance and Restructuring) and other positions of Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company New York.

"Deutsche Bank intends to make a significant contribution to the further development of the Korean financial market, particularly through direct participation in the more traditional areas of banking such as infrastructure financing, privatisation and capital markets finance transactions, both in and out of Korea," comments Grassie. "SR Kim is well placed to guide the expansion of our business into these areas in Korea, as well as bringing fresh leadership and guidance to our overall franchise."