Ex-Army Officer and Hyosung (I) MD Simon Lee Takes Charge as New KOCHAM President

New Delhi, India – In a significant leadership transition for the Korean business community in India, Simon Lee (이시연), Managing Director of Hyosung India and ex-Korean Army officer, has officially assumed the presidency of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (KOCHAM). The appointment took effect recently, with outgoing president Kim Unsoo, Managing Director of Hyundai India, handing over responsibilities to Lee for a two-year term.

The change of guards occurred at the KOCHAM India 2025 Annual General Meeting, which was held on March 27 in New Delhi in the presence of Lee Seong-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, and Commercial Attaché Cho Seong-joong.

KOCHAM functions as a vital trade and industry body for Korean corporations and professionals in India, promoting bilateral trade, collaboration, and cultural exchange between the two nations. As Korean companies continue expanding their presence and investments in India’s rapidly developing economy, Lee’s leadership is expected to be central in steering KOCHAM’s strategic initiatives.

KOCHAM India is a trade promotion body representing South Korean companies in India. Its secretariat is based in Gurugram, and the body aims to foster business and trade relations between the two countries.

A Career Spanning Over Three Decades: Simon Lee, with the Korean name Lee Si-yeon, has over 36 years of corporate experience, primarily in the textile and industrial materials sectors. His professional journey has seen him hold leadership roles across South Korea, the United States, Germany, South Africa, and now India. Before joining Hyosung, he held managerial and engineering positions at major corporations, including Samyang Corporation, Huvis Corporation, and Hyosung Corporation, showcasing a long-standing commitment to international business development.

After graduating from Seoul National University with a bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering (1982-1986), Lee began his career at Samyang Corporation as a textile engineer in Seoul, eventually transferring to the company’s New York Office. His responsibilities expanded from technical services and polyester fiber and resin exports to managerial roles in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and various locations in Europe.

Lee’s global perspective has been further sharpened by his proficiency in multiple languages—English, German, Chinese, and Korean—enabling him to navigate diverse markets successfully. Moreover, his foundational leadership abilities were shaped during his two-year tenure in the Korean Army, where he served as a lieutenant and platoon leader in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do.

Leadership Roles at Hyosung: Lee’s association with Hyosung Corporation commenced in 2006 as a General Manager in the Tire & Industrial Reinforcements PU in Seoul. He would go on to take up key positions in Germany—rising from General Manager (2008-2014) to Managing Director (2014-2015).

He also served as Vice President (2015-2020) at Hyosung Corporation’s Technical Yarn and Aramid division in Seoul. In parallel, he held the role of President of Hyosung Luxembourg, South Africa (2014-2015), further broadening his global leadership portfolio.

Since February 2020, Lee has been Managing Director of Hyosung India Pvt. Ltd., overseeing the company’s growth strategies in the subcontinent. Under his guidance, Hyosung India has focused on developing and marketing innovative materials, parts, and equipment—core strengths that have propelled Hyosung to become one of Korea’s leading conglomerates, with an approximate workforce of 17,000 employees and annual sales nearing USD 11 billion.

Future Agenda as KOCHAM President: As the new President of KOCHAM, Lee’s agenda is expected to revolve around:

1. Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Facilitating strategic partnerships, investments, and collaborations between Korean and Indian companies, especially in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, sustainable energy, and advanced materials.
2. Enhancing Business Support: Offering guidance, networking opportunities, and resources to member companies to navigate India’s regulatory environment, accelerate growth, and contribute to local communities.
3. Fostering Cultural Exchange: Organizing events, forums, and community outreach programs that deepen cultural understanding and strengthen the ties between Korean expatriates and Indian society.
4. Advancing Technology and Innovation: Championing the role of research, development, and product innovation in textiles, industrial fibers, and new-age materials to keep pace with India’s developing market needs.

Lee said it is an honor to serve as KOCHAM’s President and looked forward to working closely with all members to further the organizations’ shared objectives and the India-Korea partnership. With the rapid changes taking place in India’s economy, we have an unprecedented opportunity to make a meaningful impact.