Huawei and Naver Elevate Women Leaders to Drive Global Tech and Sustainability

Huawei has announced that Meng Wanzhou, its vice chairperson and chief financial officer, will assume the role of rotating chairperson from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. This marks the second time she will hold the position, following her prior tenure under the company's rotational leadership structure. Meng, who has been a key figure at Huawei since 1993, is credited with establishing a globally integrated financial system, implementing the Integrated Financial Services (IFS) platform, and driving data management innovations that have become strategic assets for the firm. Huawei's official statement emphasizes that her leadership will provide a "solid and reliable operating foundation" as the company advances its strategy in artificial intelligence and other critical technologies.

Simultaneously, Naver, South Korea's largest internet company, has seen a significant executive development with the appointment of its CEO, Choi Soo-yeon, to the board of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). Choi, who became Naver's second female CEO in 2022, is also its youngest non-founder CEO. Her responsibilities at Naver include overseeing global expansion and AI initiatives, such as the development of "on-service AI" across core products. The UNGC highlighted her expertise in responsible technology governance and sustainable business practices as key qualifications for the role. Choi's appointment underscores her leadership in shaping ethical AI frameworks, including her recent release of an AI safety protocol and participation in global AI governance discussions.

The UNGC, a corporate sustainability initiative involving over 25,000 companies worldwide, positions Choi to influence strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her tenure on the board will focus on advancing responsible business practices, particularly in digital ecosystems. Naver's longstanding participation in the UNGC since 2014 further aligns with the company's public commitments to sustainability and innovation.

Meng's return to the rotating chairmanship reflects Huawei's continued reliance on her strategic vision. During her earlier tenure, she oversaw critical financial reforms and digital transformation projects that bolstered the company's resilience amid global challenges. Huawei's recent focus on AI chip development and competitive positioning against rivals like Nvidia suggests that Meng's leadership will prioritize operational stability while accelerating technological breakthroughs.

Choi's appointment to the UNGC board also highlights her broader contributions beyond corporate governance. Initiatives such as Naver Ventures in Silicon Valley and the Naver Impact program, launched in 2024, demonstrate her emphasis on fostering ecosystems that support startups and community-driven innovation. These efforts align with the UNGC's mission to leverage business for global sustainability.

The appointments of Meng and Choi represent milestones for women in executive leadership within technology and corporate governance. While Huawei's rotational leadership model ensures continuity in strategic execution, Naver's inclusion in the UNGC board underscores the growing influence of tech executives in shaping global sustainability agendas. Both moves reflect a broader trend of elevating women to roles that bridge corporate strategy with societal impact.

Source: [1] Huawei Appoints Meng Wanzhou as Rotating Chairman Till March 31, 2026 (https://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-appoints-meng-wanzhou-as-rotating-chairman-till-march-31-2026/)

[2] Naver CEO Appointed to UN Global Compact Board - The Korea Times (https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/tech-science/20250918/naver-ceo-appointed-to-un-global-compact-board)