The Ministry of Strategy and Finance announced on March 6 that former Woori Bank CEO & Chairman Lee Duk-hoon has been appointed to serve as the 18th Chairman & President of The Export-Import Bank of Korea.

The newly appointed Chairman began his career as a research fellow at Korea Development Institute (KDI) in 1981. He has since served in various posts such as President of Daehan Investment Trust, Vice Chairman of Woori Finance Holdings, CEO & Chairman of Woori Bank, and Member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Korea, acquiring extensive knowledge in both the theory and practice of finance.

He is known for his strong drive, which helped to turn around Woori Bank from chronic deficit to three consecutive years of massive surplus upon his appointment as CEO & Chairman in 2001. He lays great emphasis on active communication and trust building with the market.

Chairman Lee is also highly esteemed by those who served under him for his caring personality and willingness to lead by example.

While serving as Advisor to the Minister of Finance and as a member of the Financial Reform Committee, he contributed to laying a strong foundation for the development of Korea’s financial industry. It is also notable that he oversaw the execution of a research project themed "Development Strategy for The Export-Import Bank of Korea into the 2000s" in 1996, helping to shape Korea Eximbank's first-ever long-term development strategy.

Born in Gwang-ju, Gyeonggi-do, he graduated from Samseon High School to major in mathematics and economics at Sogang University and received a master's degree in economics from Wayne State University. He also holds a doctorate in economics from Purdue University.