Global proxy advisers scrutinize KB Financial's surprise leadership change

KB Financial Group's surprise decision to replace its incumbent chairman despite record earnings is under closer shareholder scrutiny, with the world's two largest proxy advisory firms reviewing the nomination ahead of a shareholder vote, industry officials said Tuesday. Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis told The Korea Times that they are currently reviewing company proposals ahead of an extraordinary shareholders meeting scheduled for Nov. 20. Neither has yet issued a recommendation on the appointment of Lee Jae-keun as KB Financial's next chairman. Glass Lewis said it was unable to comment on the nomination at this stage because its research on the company was still underway. ISS similarly said its recommendation would be available once its research is published. "I’m happy to send you our shareholder meeting research and recommendations for KB Financial Group once we publish, which is typically 14-16 calendar days ahead of the shareholder meeting, as noted in our media policy," an ISS spokesperson said. Their recommendations could carry particular weight at KB