Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin is taking on the CEO roles at E-mart and Shinsegae Property as the South Korean retail giant seeks to drive growth across its core businesses.

The appointment marks a notable shift for the group, placing its chairman in direct executive control of the country’s largest retailer and its property development arm at a time when the business is navigating a challenging retail landscape and pursuing new growth opportunities.

Shinsegae said the move reflects Chung’s intention to take greater responsibility for the group’s performance and long-term direction.

“I take seriously the market’s demand to take clear responsibility for the company’s management,” Chung said. “Going forward, as CEO, I will accept the evaluation of the board of directors and shareholders.”

At E-Mart, Chung will take on direct management responsibility for the retailer’s operations and future growth initiatives, a move the company said reflects his commitment to addressing current business challenges and enhancing shareholder value.

Meanwhile, at Shinsegae Property, he will oversee the group’s major development projects and support efforts to secure sites for a planned AI data centre announced earlier this year.

The leadership change follows recent controversy at Starbucks Korea, in which E-Mart is the largest shareholder. The retailer has since pledged organisational reforms to strengthen governance and operational oversight.

Shinsegae Property executive Lee Hyung-cheon has also been nominated as co-CEO and will continue to oversee the company’s day-to-day operations and development activities.

The group has also named Shin Dong-woo as the new CEO nominee for Starbucks Korea. According to Shinsegae, he will focus on strengthening internal controls, improving operational systems and rebuilding trust among customers and partners.