KB Financial narrows down chair race to 3 candidates

KB Financial Group on Thursday shortlisted three candidates for its next chairman, including incumbent Chairman Yang Jong-hee, setting the stage for a final decision on whether he will secure a second term. The two other candidates are KB Financial Senior Executive Vice President Lee Jae-keun and former Woori Bank CEO Kwon Kwang-seok. The chairman candidate recommendation committee initially considered six candidates, including KB Financial Group Senior Executive Vice President Lee Chang-kwon and KB Kookmin Bank CEO Lee Hwan-ju. The group will hold in-depth interviews with the three shortlisted candidates on Sept. 11 and select a single final nominee. The final appointment will be confirmed at a shareholder meeting in November, when Yang's current term is scheduled to end. "The succession process is being conducted fairly, objectively and transparently based on clear criteria. We will ensure that the best candidate who can earn the trust of all stakeholders is selected as the next chairman," an official at the candidate recommendation committee said. Attention is now focused on whether Yan