Hana Financial Group Signs LPGA Superstar Cristie Kerr as Global Ambassador

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hana Financial Group, Korea’s second largest financial institution, announces it has signed LPGA professional golfer Cristie Kerr as global ambassador for the 2012 golf season. As Hana Financial Group continues to enhance its global footprint, the partnership with Kerr is designed to raise brand awareness, especially in the American sports and business community.

“As Hana Financial Group continues to raise awareness of its services in the US, we are happy to have an ambassador that is so accomplished and respected in her field.”

Hana Financial Group also announces that a Korean regulator has recently approved the institution’s purchase of Korea Exchange Bank. With the purchase, Hana Financial Group also has promoted Yong-Ro Yun to CEO of Korea Exchange Bank. Yun joined Hana Financial Group as vice chairman in 2010. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Industrial Bank of Korea.

Kerr made a special stop to Los Angeles to join Yun for the announcement on her way to Melbourne for the Australian Open, kicking off the 2012 golf season.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with such a revered athlete as Cristie Kerr,” said Mr. Yong-Ro Yun, current vice chairman of Hana Financial Group. He went on to say, “As Hana Financial Group continues to raise awareness of its services in the US, we are happy to have an ambassador that is so accomplished and respected in her field.”

“I am proud to represent a great corporation like Hana Financial Group, whose brand and corporate leadership stand for integrity, hard work and excellence, qualities I admire and aspire to exhibit,” said Kerr. “Hana Financial Group also has demonstrated an unwavering support for women's golf and charitable causes, making this partnership a strong fit.”

Kerr has been one of the top female golf performers and one of the most popular players on tour over the past decade. Kerr's achievements include 15 professional career wins, including two Major Championships. She rose to the #1 spot in the official world ranking in the 2010 season and has been ranked in the top ten for a remarkable 407 consecutive weeks, leading her to become the 4th highest money winner of all time in women’s professional golf.

About Hana Financial Group:
Hana Financial Group is South Korea’s leading financial services company and one of the world’s top 100 financial groups. The company began in 1971 as Korea Investment & Finance, the nation’s first financial company established with purely private capital. Throughout its history, Hana Financial Group has created value for clients with its comprehensive financial services, innovative ideas, dedication to customer satisfaction, and unique products. Hana Financial Group aims to become a leading name in finance not only in Korea, but also Asia and the world. http://www.hanafn.com

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