Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering’s new chief executive Ko Jae-ho has been named to head the Korean Shipbuilders’ Association, the trade body said Monday.

Ko, 57, will take over the remaining term of Nam Sang-tae, the association’s former chairman who resigned after his two terms ended at DSME, until March 18, 2013.

Ko took office at the world’s second-largest shipbuilder last week.

The organization’s presidency rotates through its nine members, also including Hyundai Heavy Industries, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction. 

“Shipbuilders around the world need to pay more attention to resolving common issues and building a united front in pursuit of inclusive sustainable growth,” the new chairman said in an inaugural memo on KOSHIPA’s website.

“I will be putting greater emphasis on global cooperation, collaboration and coordination beyond continental and ocean boundaries.”

Ko began his career at DSME in 1980 after graduating from Korea University. He held various posts at its shipyard in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, and overseas units since then.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)