ZKW Group Taps LG Veteran as CFO, Signaling Deeper Tech Integration

WIESELBURG, Austria – January 09, 2026 – In a strategic move that underscores a deeper alignment with its parent company, automotive lighting specialist ZKW Group has appointed Sangbo Sim as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2026. The 57-year-old finance veteran steps into the role with a rich history at LG Electronics, signaling a deliberate effort to infuse ZKW with expertise from the broader technology and smart solutions sectors.

Sim succeeds Sangwook Woo, who is returning to Korea after a three-year tenure marked by significant growth amidst turbulent market conditions. The appointment is seen by industry observers as a pivotal moment for ZKW, suggesting a future where its premium lighting systems become more intricately woven into LG's expansive vision for future mobility and connected vehicles. "Sangbo Sim is a proven financial expert and will further secure the competitiveness and future of the ZKW Group," stated Won Yong Hwang, CEO of the ZKW Group, in the official announcement.

A Strategic Play for Synergy

Sangbo Sim is not just a new financial chief; he is a product of the LG ecosystem. Having joined LG Electronics in 2001, his career is a map of the conglomerate's strategic financial operations. His experience spans crucial roles, including CFO for LG in Germany and the Nordic regions, as well as Head of Business Improvement and Head of Investor Relations in Seoul. This deep-seated experience within LG's corporate structure is expected to facilitate seamless integration and unlock new synergies between ZKW and the LG Electronics Vehicle Solutions division, which acquired ZKW in 2018.

This appointment goes beyond a standard executive shuffle. It aligns with LG's "One LG Solution" strategy, which leverages the combined strengths of its various affiliates—from LG Display to LG Energy Solution—to provide comprehensive solutions for next-generation electric and smart vehicles. Sim’s most recent role at LG, overseeing financial planning for its Smart Life Solutions business, is particularly telling. This division is at the heart of LG's future vision, encompassing the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and smart devices. Bringing a leader with this background to ZKW indicates a clear intention to embed principles of connectivity and smart technology directly into the DNA of its automotive components.

Navigating a Resilient Path Through Market Headwinds

Sim inherits the financial reins of a company that has demonstrated remarkable resilience. His predecessor, Sangwook Woo, was praised by CEO Won Yong Hwang for having "successfully developed ZKW over three years in very challenging times." This period, from 2023 through 2025, was one of the most volatile for the global automotive supply chain. The industry grappled with persistent semiconductor shortages, geopolitical tensions disrupting material flows, and soaring raw material costs, particularly for components critical to electric vehicles.

Despite these headwinds, ZKW not only survived but thrived. The company posted record sales of approximately 1.5 billion euros in 2023 and grew to 1.55 billion euros in 2024. This performance is a testament to the strong demand for its premium lighting systems and its ability to navigate a complex logistical environment. Sim's proven expertise in business optimization and financial planning will be critical in sustaining this growth trajectory. His mandate will likely involve reinforcing the company's financial foundations, enhancing operational efficiency, and strategically allocating capital for research and development to stay ahead in a fiercely competitive market that includes giants like Hella and Valeo. His solid educational foundation, with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Korea University and a Master of Science from Stanford Graduate School of Business, further solidifies his credentials to steer the company's financial future.

Beyond Illumination: Steering Toward Smart Mobility

The most significant implication of Sim's appointment may lie in ZKW's future product roadmap. With a leader who has financially managed LG's foray into IoT and robotics, ZKW is uniquely positioned to accelerate its evolution from a manufacturer of high-end headlights to a key enabler of intelligent vehicle systems. The future of automotive lighting is not just about visibility; it's about communication, data integration, and creating a safer, more interactive driving experience.

This shift aligns perfectly with LG's aggressive push into Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) and AI-Defined Vehicles (AIDV). LG has been actively collaborating with major automakers like Mercedes-Benz to co-develop advanced components and holds over 100,000 patents in key technology domains. ZKW's lighting systems could become intelligent nodes in this connected car ecosystem, capable of projecting information onto the road, communicating with other vehicles and infrastructure, and integrating seamlessly with a vehicle's advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

As the automotive lighting market is projected to grow substantially, reaching nearly USD 80 billion by 2032, the emphasis is shifting from hardware to intelligent, software-controlled systems. Sim's financial stewardship will be crucial in funding the innovations necessary to lead this transition. By leveraging his background and the vast technological resources of the LG group, ZKW is poised to redefine the role of lighting and help shape the character and intelligence of vehicles worldwide.