LG Chem’s CEO searches for talent in Japan to lead new growth engines

Vice Chairman and CEO Shin Hak-cheol of South Korea's largest chemical company LG Chem Ltd. is looking for talent in Japan to lead his company's three new growth engines.

LG Chem on Friday said he and key executives like Chief Human Resource Officer and Vice President Kim Seong-min the day before held a BC (Business & Campus) Tour at the hotel Intercontinental Tokyo Bay.

Held on the sidelines of the CEO's business trip abroad, the event searches for global talent by having leading executives directly communicate with promising candidates and even conduct on-site interviews.

About 40 master's degree and Ph.D. students in science and engineering from seven major universities in Japan, a global materials power, like the University of Tokyo, Tokyo University of Technology and Kyoto University were invited.

Vice Chairman Shin, who presided over the event, shared his company's future vision in his welcoming speech.

"LG Chem is pursuing a major portfolio transformation from a petrochemical hub to a global science company," he said. "By 2030, LG Chem plans to earn 40 trillion won ($30.5 billion) in sales just from the three new growth engines of battery and eco-friendly materials and new globally innovative drugs."

"As it's always done, LG Chem will confirm its pledge through achievements and capabilities," he added. "I hope you join a corporation that ceaselessly challenges and grows like LG Chem in seizing the opportunity to take a big step forward in a rapidly changing industry."

Other executives explained the company's vision and R&D, visited the tables where candidates sat and answered their questions.

LG Chem plans to boost the share of sales of the three growth engines from 21% or 6.6 trillion won ($5 billion) last year to 57% or 40 trillion won by 2030.

Write to Mi-Sun Kang at misunny@hankyung.com