New CEO Choi Wonyoung’s First Remarks: “I Will Make the Center an Institution Specializing in Marketing Policy”

Choi Wonyoung Takes Office as 14th CEO of the Center
Field Expert with 28 Years at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups

Choi Wonyoung, new CEO of the Korea Small and Medium Venture Business Distribution Center, said in his first remarks after taking office that he would build a leading national institution specializing in marketing policy.

The Center said its 14th CEO, Choi Wonyoung, held an inauguration ceremony at its Mokdong headquarters on Nov. 13 and officially began his duties. In his inaugural address, Choi outlined four future directions for the Center: redefining the institution’s identity around its core functions; establishing a sustainable management system; strengthening its policy role by transforming its marketing functions; and developing into an organization that works effectively and is a good place to work.

Choi Wonyoung, newly appointed CEO of the Korea SMEs and Startups Distribution Agency

Established in December 1995 under the Act on the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Center supports market access for small and medium-sized enterprises and has carried out a range of programs, including marketing support for SMEs and market access support for small businesses. Choi said the Center’s core function was to serve as a “public institution specializing in marketing policy” for SMEs, venture businesses and small businesses, and emphasized that he would redefine its identity around business growth and performance.

“The Center’s market access support helps businesses reach the final stage of their journey—their ‘fruits’—and grow into going concerns. For SMEs and small businesses facing desperate circumstances on the ground, it is like a lifeline,” he said. “For their brighter future, I will work alongside our employees in the field and be a reliable partner, clearing the obstacles and easing the difficulties they have faced. Through this, I will make the Center an irreplaceable, leading national institution specializing in marketing policy.”

Choi also stressed the need for “tailored support” to identify businesses and products and connect them with marketing and sales. He emphasized strengthening the Center’s policy role so that the public procurement system could serve as a catalyst for the growth of innovative companies, including startups and venture businesses. He added that he would secure the organization’s future growth by strengthening employees’ capabilities through specialized training and fostering a “one-team community spirit” by establishing a communication-centered organizational culture.

Since joining the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in 1998, Choi has spent about 28 years building experience in supporting SMEs, venture businesses and small businesses in areas including exports, finance and market access. Most recently, he served as Director General for Global Growth Policy and Director General of the Small Business Policy Office. He is regarded as having a strong understanding of and extensive experience in the realities facing SMEs and small businesses and in on-the-ground market access support. After graduating from Seoul National University with a degree in mechanical engineering, he earned a master’s degree in techno-management from KAIST and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver (UCD).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.