Hanwha Appoints Alex Wong as New CSO... Oversees 'MASGA' Strategy

[Financial News] Hanwha has established the position of Global Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and appointed Alex Wong, former Deputy Assistant to the National Security Council (NSC) of the United States. The new CSO Wong is known for his specialization in national security and international diplomacy, and is expected to oversee Hanwha's defense strategy, including the 'MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again)' project. This move is seen as an effort to enhance its status through the establishment of strategies for global reindustrialization and the reorganization of the defense supply chain centered on the United States and Europe.
Hanwha Aerospace announced on the 23rd that it has established the position of Global Chief Strategy Officer and appointed the former Deputy Assistant to the National Security Council (NSC) in Washington D.C. on the 22nd. The new CSO Wong will lead strategic initiatives such as strengthening partnerships, expanding defense capabilities, and revitalizing industries in major markets centered on the United States and Europe.
The new CSO Alex Wong stated, "At a very important time in the global defense and shipbuilding industry, Hanwha is a key company," adding, "Hanwha's world-class technology, excellent manufacturing capabilities, and operational excellence across various strategic sectors will strengthen the security, prosperity, and industrial resilience of the United States, Europe, and countries worldwide."
This appointment is interpreted as Hanwha's strategic move for global market expansion. The new CSO Wong has an unparalleled career in national security and international diplomacy. After obtaining a doctorate from Harvard Law School, he served as the Deputy Special Representative for North Korea at the U.S. Department of State from 2017 to 2021, playing a key role in the Kim Jong-un-Trump summit negotiations. After serving as the head of U.S. Government Relations at Coupang from 2021 to 2025, he worked as the Senior Deputy Assistant to the National Security Advisor at the White House, coordinating key roles in defense, international relations, and security policies.
Hanwha expects that the extensive experience and high-level network of the new CSO Wong, along with his ability to coordinate cooperation with allies and establish global security strategies, will become an important asset in Hanwha's global business.
Hanwha is accelerating its global market expansion and strengthening local cooperation through the supply of advanced ground defense systems. In Europe, it is contributing to the enhancement of advanced capabilities, local industry cooperation, and the resilience of the defense supply chain in line with the rearmament movement.
In particular, it is leading the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation project 'MASGA' by acquiring the U.S. Philly Shipyard. The new CSO Wong is expected to spearhead the strategy formulation for the MASGA project.
Dong-Kwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group, said, "Wong's deep experience accumulated at the forefront of international security and alliance building will greatly strengthen cooperative relations with global partners, including the United States and Europe, and provide meaningful capabilities," adding, "Hanwha is shaping the future of the modern defense industry through advanced systems, next-generation shipyards, and resilient industrial capabilities, and Alex Wong will play a key role in realizing this vision."
hoya0222@fnnews.com Dong-Ho Kim Reporter