Leave the bank, keep the car

When Sung Won Sohn took over as head of L.A.-based Hanmi Financial two years ago, the stock was trading at $18. It's now at $8.20, just a penny above its 52-week low. That's not entirely his fault, of course, but it's not a sterling performance either. So Sohn's resignation last week didn't come as a huge surprise for those following the world of Korean American banks. What might be a bit surprising are the terms of his departure. As reported by Michele Leder on footnoted.org, Sohn gets to keep a 2005 Mercedes Benz 430S that the bank gave him - plus memberships at Wilshire Country Club and the Jonathan Club (he's responsible for dues). Hanmi’s marketing slogan? "Life Gets Better." By the way, bank consultant Jeffrey Rigsby told the LAT last week that Sohn had been rumored to be headed for a post in the government of South Korean President-elect Lee Myung-bak. Hanmi hasn't yet named a successor to Sohn.