Alumni and Friends Directory

---

Biography

Young-Chul Hong completed his MBA at Utah State University in 1973. After earning his degree, he returned to Korea to work for and later become the chief executive officer of Kiswire, the company his father founded in 1945. In his current role, Mr. Hong oversees the Kiswire’s expansion into global markets as well as the company’s investment portfolios. He also develops strategic plans for the company’s three major divisions. Mr. Hong oversaw Kiswire’s initial expansion into the Malaysian market in 1989, and he established the company’s research and development center in 1990. When he assumed command in 1988, the company’s total sales volume was approximately $100 million. By 2003, it had grown to approximately $550 million. Mr. Hong strives to ensure that Kiswire remains one of the specialty steel industry’s global leaders.

He has assumed the unofficial role of Utah State’s ambassador in Korea. Mr. Hong founded and served as president of the Korean Chapter of Utah State’s Alumni Association. He also regularly hosts visitors from Utah State University.