The management of Hanjin Group and Korean Air fell to Cho Won-tae in April 2019 following the death of his father, Cho Yang-ho. As the grandson of the founder, Cho Choong-hoon, he represents the third generation of leadership within the South Korean conglomerate, navigating the complex operational shifts necessitated by global crises and industry-wide structural changes.
Early Education and Career Beginnings
Born in Seoul on 25 January 1976, Cho Won-tae, also known as Walter Cho, attended Marian High School in Massachusetts before completing a two-year college program in the United States. He subsequently transferred to Inha University in South Korea in 1998 and later earned an MBA from the University of Southern California. His initial entry into the Hanjin Group occurred in 2003, followed by a transition to Korean Air in 2004. Within the airline, he held various roles including vice-manager of the planning team and head of the procurement department, rising to the position of chief operating officer.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Consolidation of Corporate Control
Following the 2015 resignation of his sister, Heather Cho, after the nut rage incident, Cho Won-tae assumed oversight of additional business areas including hotels and catering. By January 2017, he was named president of Korean Air. During this period, he held roles at several group affiliates, such as Hanjin Kal, Jin Air, Uniconverse, and Korea Airport Service, though he resigned from these specific posts later in 2017 to improve management efficiency. He ascended to the roles of chairman and CEO of Hanjin Group and Korean Air in 2019.
Operational Strategy During the Pandemic
Cho oversaw a significant pivot in Korean Air operations during the COVID-19 pandemic by expanding cargo capacity when passenger travel declined. This strategy involved utilizing passenger jets as freighters and running cargo-only flights, which resulted in net profits throughout the pandemic period. In 2021, the airline achieved record-high operating and net profits. Beyond strategic shifts, Cho participated in a repatriation flight to Wuhan and engaged in manual aircraft cleaning to demonstrate safety protocols. In 2020, he was awarded the Médaille d'honneur des affaires étrangères de la France for his role in repatriating French citizens.
Industry Leadership and Recognition
Beyond his company roles, Cho serves on the board of governors for the International Air Transport Association and acts as chairman of the SkyTeam Alliance Board. His leadership during the pandemic garnered multiple industry accolades, including the 2021 ATW Airline of the Year and the 2022 ATW Cargo Operator of the Year. He also received the 2023 ATW Excellence in Leadership Award and the 2024 Korea Management Award from the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration.
Fast facts
- Born: 25 January 1976, Seoul
- Citizenship: South Korea
- Education: Marian High School, Inha University, University of Southern California
- Current Roles: Chairman and CEO of Hanjin Group and Korean Air
- Family: Son of Cho Yang-ho, grandson of Cho Choong-hoon
- Military Service: Alternative service via Skilled Industrial Personnel program
- Major Industry Recognition: 2021 Airline of the Year (ATW)
Questions readers ask
What is Cho Won-tae's professional relationship to Hanjin Group?
He serves as the chairman and chief executive officer of Hanjin Group and its subsidiary, Korean Air.
How did Korean Air maintain profitability during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Under Cho's leadership, the airline shifted its focus to cargo operations, converting passenger aircraft for freight transport and maintaining flights despite passenger travel restrictions.
Achievements
- Educated at Inha University and Marian High School
