Top brewer employs former journalist

Lee Chang-kyu

Hite-Jinro Group, Korea’s leading liquor maker, said yesterday that it appointed Lee Chang-kyu, former chief executive of JoongAng Ilbo Sisa Media, as its new vice chairman. The 57-year-old businessman who previously served as an economic journalist at the JoongAng Ilbo will be responsible for external communication to refurbish the beverage group’s brand image, the group said. Lee will also be in charge of exploring overseas markets and digging up new business. Lee became a reporter for the JoongAng Ilbo in 1976, assuming posts including New York correspondent, Tokyo bureau chief, business desk head and editor-in-chief of the newspaper.
“Lee’s excellent insight and ample experience is expected to add power to our group,” said the group.