Seeking New Revenue Streams in AI, Robotics and More... Year-End Corporate Reshuffles Focus on “Commercialization Capabilities”

[Financial News] Year-end personnel reshuffles at major business groups are expected to focus on strengthening their ability to execute new businesses next year. The key will be placing talent who can preserve the competitiveness built in core businesses while developing future growth areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and power into sources of revenue.
According to the business community on the 5th, SK Group, which recently carried out its personnel reshuffle, varied the degree of stability and change according to the challenges facing each business. It retained the SK hynix management team that drove strong results while stepping up its response to U.S. customers, and adjusted roles in its energy business to secure profitability in existing operations and foster future businesses. Other groups are also expected to consider appointments based on the expertise and execution capabilities needed to improve results in new businesses, rather than pursuing uniform generational change.
Attention is focused on whether Samsung Electronics will appoint talent capable of taking its AI semiconductor competitiveness to the next level.
Alongside rewards for improved semiconductor performance, the ability to turn technologies such as next-generation memory and advanced packaging into mass production and customer acquisition has become important. The explanation is that leaders who understand both technology and business are playing a growing role in ensuring development results translate into actual sales.
Jun Young-hyun, vice chairman and head of the Device Solutions (DS) Division, is seen as likely to remain in his post, given the importance of maintaining a consistent strategy to strengthen semiconductor competitiveness. In the finished-products division, attention is focused on whether Roh Tae-moon, president and head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division, will continue to concurrently lead the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business. Organizing operations to boost the competitiveness of existing products while turning AI into new customer experiences and business opportunities is seen as a key challenge.
Hyundai Motor Group is expected to make the ability to turn future mobility technologies into products and services a key criterion in its personnel decisions. Software-defined vehicles (SDVs), autonomous driving and robotics are fields that will determine long-term competitiveness. Leadership is needed to drive not only progress in research and development but also the application of technologies in mass production, customer acquisition and the development of business models.
With profitability in the existing automotive business also needing to be maintained to secure funding for future businesses, the ability to coordinate operations at U.S. production hubs, supply-chain localization and sales strategies by region is also required.
LG Group is expected to focus on improving the results of business restructuring and operational reforms following recent CEO changes at key affiliates. Analysts say the group may continue appointing specialists in new business areas such as AI while ensuring management continuity.
An industry source explained, “Personnel changes and organizational restructuring at major groups following SK will focus on where to place talent who can protect current earnings and lay the groundwork for the next phase of growth.” 

[email protected] Kim Hak-jae Reporter