Subscribe
E-Paper
 |
| BAT Korea country manager Kim Eun-ji. / Courtesy of BAT Korea |
By Kim Jae-heun
British American Tobacco (BAT) Korea appointed its first-ever Korean female country manager Kim Eun-ji, Monday, right after her predecessor Kim Eui-soung resigned.
The company said she will be responsible for leading the domestic trade business of BAT aligned with the group strategy.
"I am glad to be back to Korea to serve as the country manager and to work with people of passion and commitment. With a wide range of knowledge in marketing and trade, I will bring a positive change to our journey to business turnaround carefully serving the needs of Korean consumers," Kim said.
She joined BAT Korea in 2004 and has been working at the tobacco firm for over 16 years. She worked as a brand director in Indonesia before returning to her home country to take office as CEO. She has also served in other various key positions including as head of trade, head of business development and Dunhill brand manager.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Kyungpook National University and has previously worked at Unilever Korea.
James Yamanaka, BAT North Asia Area director, said, "I am pleased to work with Eun-ji again for Korea operation where we are building a positive momentum for a better tomorrow. As a member of NAA Leadership Team, she will play a key role in preparing for a step change in the future of Korea business."
Prior to Kim Eun-ji, Kim Eui-soung led the tobacco company since July 22 last year, serving as the first Korean country manager.
Before Kim Eui-soung, only foreign CEOs had led the company here.
Erik Stoel held the position for less than half year from January to May in 2016. Tony Hayward worked for 11 months from September 2016 to August 2017. Matthieu Juery fulfilled two years of service at the Korean branch from August 2017 to June 2019.
Founded in 1902, BAT Group is an international tobacco company that operates in approximately 200 countries and leads the market in more than of them. BAT Korea, founded in 1990, offers its key brands Dunhill, Rothmans and KENT in the local market. Since August 2017, BAT Korea also started to offer its innovative heating device glo, reshaping the future of the Korean tobacco market.
The company currently employs approximately 1,000 workers in Korea and operates a manufacturing facility in Sacheon, which is recognized as BAT Group's most innovative facility, exporting to over 15 countries.
