Gudai Global Appoints Koo Chang-geun as Co-CEO to Strengthen Global Distribution

 
Gudai Global has appointed Koo Chang-geun, the former CEO of CJ ENM and a key architect behind the transformation of CJ Olive Young into an omnichannel beauty platform, as its new co-CEO. This move is seen as a strategic effort to enhance global distribution and improve management systems.
 
The company announced on June 7 that Koo will officially take on the role of co-CEO on June 8. Koo previously worked as an analyst at Samsung Securities before joining CJ Group, where he held various leadership positions, including CEO of CJ Foodville, CJ Olive Young, and CJ ENM.
 
During his tenure at CJ Foodville, Koo led initiatives to strengthen production capabilities and separate the café brand Twosome Place for growth. As CEO of CJ Olive Young, he focused on transitioning the business from a drugstore-centric model to a comprehensive omnichannel beauty platform.
 
Koo has extensive experience in optimizing retail locations, enhancing online shopping platforms, developing private brands, and expanding K-beauty global direct-to-consumer channels, which bolstered the competitiveness of distribution platforms.
 
His appointment aligns with Gudai Global's current efforts to expand its global distribution infrastructure, particularly following the acquisition of Hanseong USA and the launch of its subsidiary in Japan.
 
Gudai Global, which owns 11 brands including Chosun Beauty, Tirtir, and Skin Food, is ramping up its North American and Japanese market strategies, aiming to increase the number of its stores in Sephora to over 1,800 by the end of the year. Koo's experience in platform development at Olive Young is expected to complement Gudai Global's global distribution strategy.
 
CEO Cheon Joo-hyeok stated, "With Koo Chang-geun joining as co-CEO, we can further strengthen our global distribution strategy and management systems. We will write a new chapter for K-beauty together."
 
Koo remarked, "Gudai Global already possesses brands that have proven their potential in the global market. I will lead the expansion of our excellent brand portfolio to reach wider in the global market."
 
Meanwhile, Gudai Global is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO). During a convertible bond investment process last August, the company presented a plan to investors to pursue an IPO within three years. Earlier this year, it selected Mirae Asset Securities as the lead underwriter, with NH Investment & Securities, Citigroup Global Markets, and Morgan Stanley as co-underwriters.