SK Group, South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate, has named J.J. (Jeong Joon) Yu its first Head of U.S. Corporate and Government Affairs as SK companies prepare for significant investments and expansions in their American businesses.

 

In his new role, Yu will serve as a liaison across SK companies with the U.S. business community and government officials. He will continue to serve as an SK Group Vice Chairman and CEO of SK E&S, a major SK energy company with significant investments in the U.S.

 

The appointment comes as SK companies increase their presence around the world and in the U.S., driven by a mission to build businesses that have a positive impact on the environment and society. SK companies have more than $13 billion in U.S. assets with plans to invest an additional $30 billion by the end of 2025. Over that same period, SK companies are expected to grow from a combined 4,000 U.S. employees today to 20,000 employees.

 

The U.S. expansion and investments will largely be focused on clean energy and technology, including batteries for electric vehicles, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, hydrogen energy and energy storage solutions. Semiconductors and life sciences also will be areas of emphasis.

 

“The challenges facing society today will require even stronger collaborations across businesses and governments around the world,” Yu said. “SK’s increased U.S. investments and partnerships are intended to create new jobs and economic opportunities in local communities as well as new solutions that help address global issues from climate change to health crises.”

 

Yu will be based in New York where several SK companies have U.S. business development and investments teams, including SK E&S through its PassKey subsidiary and SK Inc. through its SK USA and Plutus Capital subsidiaries.

 

The role as Head of U.S. Corporate and Government Affairs brings Yu full circle in his career. He began his career as a senior accountant at the New York office of Deloitte & Touche in 1987, and later joined McKinsey & Co. to establish its Seoul office in 1991. Yu joined SK in 1998 and has held several leadership positions at SK companies.

 

“I’m honored and excited to be taking on this new position as SK starts a new chapter in the U.S.,” Yu said. “I look forward to supporting SK companies as they seek to expand their presence and strengthen partnerships that benefit both the U.S. and Korea markets.”