{"id":1429,"date":"2025-04-16T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8080\/new-leadership-spotlight-2025-head-of-hbm-business-planning-joonyong-choi\/"},"modified":"2026-07-29T14:54:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T05:54:12","slug":"new-leadership-spotlight-2025-head-of-hbm-business-planning-joonyong-choi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.skhynix.com\/en\/new-leadership-spotlight-2025-head-of-hbm-business-planning-joonyong-choi\/","title":{"rendered":"[New Leadership Spotlight 2025] Joonyong Choi, HBM Business Planning Head, on Solidifying HBM Leadership to Fuel Future Success"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Joonyong<\/p>\n

The rapid advancement of AI, coupled with the exponential growth of HBM*<\/span> that underpins the technology, contributed to SK hynix\u2019s best-ever performance in 2024. The industry views the company\u2019s success as more than just an increase in revenue\u2014it is regarded as a paradigm shift in the AI era.<\/p>\n

*<\/span> High Bandwidth Memory (HBM): A high-value, high-performance product that significantly enhances data processing speeds by vertically stacking multiple DRAM chips, surpassing the capabilities of traditional DRAM.<\/p>\n

In response to this shift, SK hynix recently implemented an organizational restructure to promote young and innovative leadership. Notably, the company drew attention after appointing Joonyong Choi, who is in his early 40s, as the youngest-ever executive to head up its HBM Business Planning department. Choi has played a key role in driving the expansion of the HBM business, having taken on responsibilities in the HBM Business Planning department after serving as the head of Mobile DRAM Product Planning (Mobile PP).<\/p>\n

In the fifth episode of this interview series featuring newly appointed executives in 2025, the SK hynix Newsroom sat down with Vice President Choi to discuss his strategy for strengthening HBM business capabilities and his future vision.<\/p>\n

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Preparing for a Brighter Future With a New Perspective<\/h3>\n
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Choi identified \u201cpride\u201d as the driving force behind HBM Business Planning. He expressed his strong commitment to lead the department toward even greater growth, empowering its members\u2014who have already propelled the HBM business forward with their deep sense of responsibility and pride\u2014with renewed energy.<\/p>\n

\u201cHBM Business Planning is a key department responsible for making decisions on large-scale investments and strategic direction,\u201d he said. \u201cIts scope extends beyond product planning to encompass technology development road maps and strategies for collaboration with global customers, playing a crucial role across the entire HBM business. As the department\u2019s newly appointed leader, my role is to foster a \u2018one-team\u2019 mindset, grow collectively, and achieve the best possible outcomes.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Choi is also committed to helping the company achieve its goal of becoming a full stack AI memory provider.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecoming a full stack AI memory provider means building a comprehensive portfolio of products that customers need and delivering them precisely when required,\u201d he stated. \u201cIn addition to developing new HBM products, we will also offer custom HBMs tailored to the diverse requirements of our customers to provide optimal solutions for a wide range of customer needs.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Choi<\/p>\n

\u25b2 Choi plans to develop custom HBM products to meet diverse customer needs<\/p>\n

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Achieving the World\u2019s Best HBM Competitiveness With a \u2018One-Team\u2019 Spirit<\/h3>\n
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Despite being busier than ever recently, Choi revealed this time has also been the most fulfilling after SK hynix became the world\u2019s first to supply samples of the 12-layer HBM4<\/a>, the sixth generation of HBM, to customers.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the years, I have had various positive experiences developing and commercializing new concept products, pioneering markets, and engaging with a wide range of customers,\u201d he revealed. \u201cWhile all of these experiences are valuable, what stands out the most is shipping out samples of the 12-layer HBM4, which offers the world-class speed required for AI memory, earlier than planned.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

SK hynix achieved industry-leading HBM competitiveness thanks to all our employees who came together as \u201cone team\u201d and dedicated themselves to continuous technological innovation.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust like how many tiny drops of water can erode even the largest stone, we have patiently prepared for the HBM market over a long period of time,\u201d he stated. \u201cAs all team members steadfastly took on their challenges with a \u2018one-team\u2019 spirit, we were able to successfully develop HBM4. Although many unforeseen obstacles lie ahead, we will continue to overcome them and further strengthen our HBM competitiveness.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Choi<\/p>\n

\u25b2 Choi was delighted after the company supplied 12-layer HBM4 samples ahead of schedule<\/p>\n

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Securing Unrivaled HBM Leadership Through Teamwork<\/h3>\n
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As AI technology advances at a remarkable pace, the demand for semiconductors is higher than ever. In particular, HBM is set to become increasingly important as it offers optimal power efficiency and performance that are essential for AI memory.<\/p>\n

Based on this, Choi is looking even further ahead, continuing to lead from the front and making every effort to ensure that SK hynix maintains its HBM market leadership.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal in 2025 is to further solidify our HBM leadership by successfully mass-producing the 12-layer HBM4 and supplying HBM4E on schedule to meet customer demands,\u201d he revealed. \u201cI will do my best to proactively anticipate the market and further optimize our business strategies.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Choi referred to younger employees, commonly referred to as the MZ Generation (Millennials and Gen Z) in Korea, as \u201cMotivated and Zealous,\u201d due to their passion and strong motivation. He emphasized his commitment to becoming a leader who inspires them to grow further by embracing new opportunities and goals. Wrapping up the interview, he made a promise to his team.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will continue to strive to be a communicative leader who will not confine myself within a cage of my own making,\u201d he claimed. \u201cFurthermore, I will listen closely to the ideas of my team, shaped by diverse perspectives, and work with them to find the best path forward. My door will always be open so that team members can feel free to share their thoughts without hesitation.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n