LG appoints South Korean to head Kenya and E.A. units

Corporate News

Josep Kim, outgoing LG East Africa managing director. PHOTO | FILE 

By OKUTTAH MARK

In Summary

• He was a global department leader heading LG’s sales and marketing team in South Korea prior to his appointment.

LG electronics has appointed South Korean national Tae-Ick Son as managing director for Kenya. Mr Son will also be in charge of LG’s East and Central Africa business.

He was a global department leader heading LG’s sales and marketing team in South Korea prior to his appointment. “Mr Son brings to the role a wealth of experience across all aspects of the multi-functional electronics industry,” said Kevin Cha, the company’s president for the Middle East and Africa Region.

LG’s flagship products are mainly home appliances – fridges and washing machines – but the company has been increasing its presence in the other market segments such as TV, which have been dominated by Sharp, Samsung and Sony. It is also eying the smart phone market, and recently launched the G3 brand in Kenya where it will be seeking to cut dominance by Samsung, Techno, Huawei and Apple, among others.

The G3, retailing at Sh59,999, will compete for a share of the market with iPhone 6 and Samsung’s S5.

The incoming MD’s experience within LG spans over 19 years, having held various positions including 10 years in charge of business and strategy in the Middle East and African markets. Mr Son replaces Josep Kim, who has been at the helm for three years.

“I would like to recognise the significant contribution by the outgoing managing director, Josep Kim. We wish him every success in the future as he takes up another role within the company,” said Mr Cha.