2023 Van Fleet Award Honorees
 |
Accepted b
y
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Accepted by
Brian P. Kemp
Governor
State of Georgia
Governor Brian P. Kemp is currently serving his second term as Georgia’s 83rd governor. Throughout the Kemp administration, Georgia has consistently broken economic records with jobs and investment in every corner of the state. Korea has become the state’s largest source of foreign direct investment in recent years, with a mission to Korea as Kemp’s first overseas mission as Governor in 2019. During Kemp’s term, Korean investment in the State of Georgia has increased nearly 600% through state-worked economic development projects alone. Under Kemp’s leadership, Georgia’s commitment to bringing opportunity to all of its citizens has led to a partnership with Korean job creators that is bringing generational investment to hardworking Georgians.
A native of Athens, Georgia, Brian Kemp started his first small business over 35 years ago. His experience as a small business owner has driven his mission as governor to put hardworking Georgians first, and his leadership is yielding historic economic results. Thanks to his decision to reopen first during the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia’s unemployment rate is at its lowest point in state history, there are more Georgians working than ever before, and Georgia has been named the Top State for Business for an unprecedented nine consecutive years.
Governor Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and their three daughters live on their family farm in Athens and are committed to building a safer, stronger Georgia for all who call the Peach State “home.”
 |
Accepted by
Korea International Trade Association (KITA)
Accepted by
Christopher Koo
Chairman
Korea International Trade Association (KITA)
Christopher Koo is Chairman of Korea International Trade Association (KITA). In his capacity, he oversees the overall trade policies and promotion activities aimed at bolstering the Korean economy. Koo is concurrently Chairman of the Board at the LS Group while serving as Chairman of the Korea-US Economic Council (KUSEC), contributing to enhancing long-standing Korea-U.S. relationship.
Prior to his appointment to this position in February 2021, he dedicated his entire life to the world of business. Koo began his career in 1978 at the Bando Trading (currently LX International) where he held a position at the New York Office (1980-1984) and assumed the role of Regional Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Office in Singapore (1990-1992). He was also the Chief Sales Officer and later became Vice President of Sales (1997-2001) at the LG Investments & Securities (currently NH Investment & Securities). In October 2001, he joined LG Cable (currently LS Cable & System) and served as the Chairman of LS Group (2001-2021). Under his outstanding leadership, LS Group successfully transformed itself into the world's 3rd largest wire and cable manufacturer.
As a former Chairman of Korea Cycling Federation (2015-2022), Mr. Koo is a renown cycling enthusiast and the first Asian cyclist to complete the Trans Alps Challenge. He is also a former Chairman of Korea Invention Promotion Association (2014-2021) and incumbent Chairman of Korea International Art Fair (Kiaf Seoul) Organizing Committee with tremendous contribution to the development of art, culture and science in Korea.
Known as a highly recognized business leader, he was honored with Korea’s Most Admired Executive Award in 2015 and Gold Order of Industrial Service Merit in 2009 for his unrivalled meritorious service in the growth of domestic industry.
Christopher Koo earned his B.A. in Business Administration from Korea University and completed degree coursework at London Business School. In 2023, he received an Honorary Ph. D. in Philosophy from Korea University.