Inspire Entertainment Resort, a tourism complex with foreigner-only casino at Incheon, South Korea, has named Gyubum Ko (pictured) as its chief executive, with effect from December 1. Chen Si, described in company materials as Inspire’s current CEO, will leave at the end of November, according to a Monday press release.
Mr Si will “remain in office until the end of November 2025, working closely with the incoming CEO to ensure a smooth and seamless leadership transition,” added the update.
The announcement described Mr Ko as a “business leader with over 20 years of proven leadership and management capabilities in global markets”.
As per the statement, Mr Ko has held “senior leadership positions at global fast-moving consumer goods and healthcare companies including Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Smith & Nephew, and Stryker”.
Since November 2024, he has also served as an independent board member of Jeisys Medical, a cosmetic medical device company, said the announcement.
The release said Mr Ko had “amassed extensive multi-national experience by successfully growing new businesses and companies in countries including [South] Korea, the U.S., China, Singapore, the U.K., the UAE (Dubai), and Australia”.
Ohsang Kwon, partner at Bain Capital, Seoul, representing Inspire’s majority owner, U.S.-based Bain Capital, was cited as saying: “Under the leadership of CEO Chen Si, Inspire has successfully opened and achieved a number of key milestones during its initial ramp-up phase.”
Mr Kwon added: “The resort welcomed 4 million visitors in its first year of operation and has established itself as a leading entertainment destination for staycationers, tourists, convention guests, and global music fans.
“We sincerely thank Chen for his outstanding leadership over the past three years and wish him continued success in his future endeavours.”
Mr Kwon stated: “We are confident that Mr Ko’s leadership, combining international experience and deep market insight, will further enhance that momentum. Bain Capital is excited to continue working closely with Inspire’s management team to continue investing in the resort’s long-term growth and operational excellence.”
Mr Ko was also quoted in the update as noting: “I am truly excited to join Inspire at such a dynamic time of growth in the global casino and integrated resort industry.”
He added: “Drawing on international experience and customer insights gained in diverse business environments, I look forward to working closely with Inspire’s talented team to drive innovation, deep customer engagement, and deliver long-term value for our guests, employees, and stakeholders.”
