Korean Air names new VP and chief communications officer

South Korea’s flagship carrier Korean Air has appointed Jongheon Sim (pictured) as its new vice president and chief communications officer, succeeding Kikwang (KK) Lee, who was the chief of communications of the brand. 

As part of his appointment, Sim will take on the responsibility of leading Korean Air's communications strategies and public relations efforts. Within his new role, Sim oversees and directs all domestic and international PR communications, including but not limited to forecasting and analysing media issues, establishing media relations, drafting positions on public policy positions, and executive communication.

Sim has gained his communications skills by serving a variety of positions in his 27-year history with the airline, from operations to communications and external relations. In December 2022, Sim became a managing director and the airline’s deputy chief communications officer. Prior to this position, he also led the airline’s social media and digital communications team.

Sim joined Korean Air’s passenger business division in 1997, and developed his career in airport operations at Incheon, Los Angeles, Seattle and New York. In 2008, he was named to lead the airport operations team in Seattle and, in 2017, he became general manager and head of the airport service team at New York’s JFK airport, one of Korean Air’s most important global hubs.

Sim’s international proficiency also led him to a position at the airline’s human resources development centre where he managed the training for employees before their overseas assignments.

According to Korean Air, Sim’s extensive experience in airline operations, alongside his broad-based communications skills provides it with the expert leadership needed to succeed in the global aviation market. 

Recently, Korean Air has signed an agreement to strengthen air cargo partnership with Vienna International Airport. The partnership aims to capture growing air cargo demand between Korea and Austria, and leverage Vienna International Airport as a major hub to attract greater air cargo demand through joint marketing initiatives targeted at forwarders and customers.

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