Korean biotech firm names first Chief Sustainability Officer

Korean cell and gene therapy firm CHA Biotech has appointed Cha Won-Tae as its first Chief Sustainability Officer.

CHA Biotech is a part of the CHA Bio Group, a healthcare conglomerate founded in 1960. CHA Biotech itself was established in 2002 and conducts genetic and stem cell research to find advanced treatment for rare or incurable diseases.

As CSO of CHA Biotech and Vice Chairman of CHA BioGroup, Cha is tasked with strengthening the company's ESG management system. 

He will also be “responsible for ensuring sustainable growth and competitiveness for CHA Biotech and other CHA Bio Group affiliates, while also identifying future growth engines,” according to a company statement.

Cha was previously Chief Operating Officer of Cha Health Systems, which operates CHA Hollywood Medical Centre in Los Angeles, and Chief Strategy Officer of CHA Hollywood Medical Centre, before becoming the President of CHA University School of Medicine and Science.

He graduated from Duke University's Department of Biological Anatomy and holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Yale University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from MIT, and a Ph.D. in Public Health from Yonsei University.

CHA Biotech sustainability vision

CHA Biotech’s vision is to advance medical innovation while prioritising sustainability. The company, which is listed on the KOSDAQ stock market, has shared information about its electricity, water and gas use on its website, but is yet to provide a sustainability report or disclose greenhouse gas emissions.

“CHA Biotech is dedicated to fostering sustainable development through its environmental management practices, creating a future where humanity and nature thrive together. We are committed to minimising environmental impact, and every employee pledges to uphold these values and take active steps in environmental protection,” said CEO Suk Yoon Choi.

ESG disclosures are not yet mandatory for listed companies in South Korea. The country was in the process of integrating ISSB-aligned requirements for large listed companies from 2025, but decided this year to postpone these to post-2026 or later in light of global deregulation trends.