[Seok Ji-hoen, Edaily reporter] Hanmi Science, the holding company of Hanmi Group, is stabilizing quickly and accelerating organizational and strategic restructuring 50 days after transitioning to a professional management system.

Kim Jae-gyo, CEO of Hanmi Science (Photo courtesy of Hanmi Science)

Hanmi Science appointed Kim Jae-gyo as CEO during its March 26 shareholder meeting, officially launching its professional executive leadership model. Kim, a seasoned figure in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors with experience at Yuhan Corp. and Meritz Securities, is credited with leading the group’s structural reforms and innovation initiatives.

Silent but Strong Stock Rebound

Since Kim’s appointment, Hanmi Science shares have climbed approximately 34%, rising from 24,250 won (closing price on April 3) to 32,600 won as of May 14. During the same period, the KRX Healthcare Index which comprises major domestic pharmaceutical and biotech stocks fell about 0.9%, dropping from 3,723.25 to 3,690.75. Hanmi’s performance significantly outpaced the industry average. Notably, on May 14, when fears of U.S. drug pricing reform rattled the sector, Hanmi Science surged nearly 6% intraday, drawing investor attention.

Rather than external appearances, CEO Kim is reportedly focusing on internal alignment and communication. According to the company, Kim holds daily morning meetings with leaders of affiliates, including Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and department heads, directly shaping business direction and execution strategy at the holding company level. This on-the-ground leadership style has helped restore internal stability, according to industry observers.

“CEO Kim provides clear direction on what the holding company must do, and that’s building a strong foundation for long-term value creation,” said one executive at Hanmi Science. “The speed of the group’s recovery has been impressive, and Kim is at the center of that momentum.”

A Hanmi Group employee also noted, “There was definitely anxiety throughout the organization following last year’s leadership dispute. But under the new leadership, we’re seeing a noticeable improvement in internal communication and collaboration.”

Holding Company Reinforcement and New Strategic Divisions

Hanmi Science’s long-term vision is also becoming clearer. The company has established two key strategic divisions: the Innovation Division for external R&D sourcing and the Strategic Planning Division for new business development. These new structures are seen as a core part of Hanmi’s transformation into a stronger holding company.

The R&D strategy is evolving into a push-pull collaboration model. Hanmi Pharmaceutical leads in internal development while the holding company spearheads open innovation and external partnerships.

Growth across key affiliates is also materializing. JVM, a maker of automated drug dispensing systems, reported that overseas sales surpassed domestic revenue for the first time. In Q1, JVM posted 42.8 billion won in consolidated revenue, 8.9 billion won in operating profit, and 7.8 billion won in net profit. Overseas sales accounted for 50.9% of the total (North America 17.4%, Europe 26.4%, Others 7.1%), exceeding domestic sales (49.1%). Both revenue and profit marked record Q1 results, with revenue up 6.6% and operating profit rising 21.1% year-over-year.

Meanwhile, Hanmi’s healthcare distribution unit Online Pharm is reportedly preparing to expand into a full-fledged comprehensive healthcare distribution company.

Hanmi Science expects Kim’s management initiatives to begin showing tangible results from the second quarter. The company is targeting technology licensing deals for new drug candidates and continued growth in internally developed products at Hanmi Pharmaceutical.

“As the professional executive system becomes fully operational, many of Hanmi’s delayed or stalled projects are regaining momentum,” a Hanmi Science spokesperson said. “CEO Kim’s leadership, combined with the founding philosophy of the late Chairman Lim Sung-ki, is creating a new and powerful growth engine for the group.”