Daum Kakao names new chief

South Korea’s largest mobile messenger operator Daum Kakao said Monday it has named a new chief executive in order to swiftly respond to the fast changing mobile business environment. 

Rim Ji-hoon, former head of investment firm K Cube Ventures, will head the mobile messenger and Web-portal firm.

Daum Kakao previously had Choi Se-hoon and Lee Sir-goo as co-CEOs after the merger between Web-portal Daum and mobile messenger firm Kakao last year.

“While truly excited, I also feel heavy responsibility to spearhead the next phase of growth for Daum Kakao, which has been a pioneer in the mobile market,” said the newly appointed CEO in a press statement.

“I will do my best to accelerate Daum Kakao’s transformation to become not only a prominent mobile company in Korea, but also a competitive player in the global market.”

The shareholders and board of directors of the company will ratify the decision on Sept. 23.

The company said Rim had been appointed as he is recognized for his achievements in the investment business for his work with start-ups.

The two former CEOs are also said to have backed the decision to name Rim as sole chief executive.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)