Hankook Shell Oil Co. announced Monday that it had appointed Kang Gin-won, former vice president of the company, as its new CEO.

He will replace Ha Jong-hwan, who left the position after reaching retirement age.

Born 1961 in Seoul, the newly appointed CEO studied mechanical engineering in Switzerland and earned both his master’s degree and doctorate in the field of management, according to the company.

He has over 25 years of experience in construction equipment and parts manufacturing and was the head of Hilti Korea, as well as Fischer Korea, before being recruited as vice president of Hankook Shell in August this year.

“I will do my best to utilize my years of management know-how and vision in order to aid the growth and development of Hankook Shell Oil,” said Kang.

By Kim Joo-hyun (jhk@heraldcorp.com)