**Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte Group, is set to hold a semi-annual executive meeting on the 9th to discuss this year’s business strategies. According to Lotte Group, Chairman Shin will preside over the 2025 first half VCM (Value Creation Meeting), a type of executives’ meeting, at Lotte World Tower in Jamsil.**
This meeting gathers Lotte Holdings representatives, business unit heads, and affiliate representatives to evaluate management performance and share goals for the year. Shin Yu-yeol, Senior Vice President and Head of Future Growth at Lotte Holdings, who is also Chairman Shin’s eldest son, is expected to attend the meeting.
The 2025 first half VCM is being held earlier this year than last year’s, which took place on January 18th. Analysts suggest that the early scheduling is related to the recent circumstances of Lotte Group. Last year, the group faced significant challenges, including the underperformance of Lotte Chemical and liquidity crisis rumors, leading to a steep drop in stock prices.
In response, Chairman Shin emphasized in his New Year’s speech the need to restore competitiveness in core businesses through strong reforms, instilling a sense of urgency among the group members. The group has started improving its financial structure, such as mitigating the risk of early redemption of Lotte Chemical’s corporate bonds, and is working to restructure uncompetitive businesses as per Shin’s directive.
During the upcoming VCM, Chairman Shin is expected to review last year’s pressing management issues and seek solutions for the uncertain business environment this year. The focus will likely be on business innovation, enhancing global brand value, and incorporating artificial intelligence, which are areas Chairman Shin has consistently emphasized.