Although he has moved around the world during his 23-year career, Thomas Vining has stuck with a single employer — Otis. He joined the elevator company's North American operation in 1988 and is proud of its culture.

"Otis is a pretty unique company. All senior management started their careers at Otis. We feel it's important to have a strong cultural root," he said.

Before becoming the president and CEO of Otis Korea in August 2010, he was the company's director for Hong Kong and Taiwan. He also spent many years managing regional offices in Hawaii, Guam, Florida and the Caribbean, as well as heading field operations for North and South America.

In a hot location like Hawaii, he recalls, he used to go to work in "aloha wear," which includes short-sleeved shirts with floral patterns but looks a little more business-like than ordinary Hawaiian shirts. But in Hong Kong, where the temperature matches that of Hawaii, "it's a suit all the time," he said.

The dress code again changes in places where he has factories to oversee. "When we go on a job site, the expectation is that we wear the same safety gear as our employees to set an example. I wear a harness, a hard hat and safety shoes."

These managerial experiences from various places made Vining feel confident in leading Otis Korea, which is not just an ordinary regional branch — the company has two factories, 10 overseas subsidiaries of its own, more than 80 sales branches and some 3,000 employees in and outside of Korea.

"I worked in a lot of different locations. I also have been involved in all parts of the business," he said. "Since we are really a global company and this requires a CEO who isn't just focused on service or sales but who has knowledge of the factory and other aspects. It was a good fit for them to bring me here as well."

Vining, 50, earned his bachelor's degree in computer science and economics from Duke University in North Carolina. He also has an MBA from Harvard University.

He and his wife have three young children, all living together in Seoul. The family is staying in the United States for the summer but they're all happy with living in Seoul, he said.

"My wife told me last night that she's ready to come back. I think she's found a home here."