New chief pledges structural reform and sustainable growth, combining private-sector speed with public accountability

Kim Do-young (left), the newly appointed president of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corp., receives his letter of appointment from Jeju Governor Wi Seong-gon on Wednesday. [Jeju Development Corp.]
Kim Do-young (left), the newly appointed president of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corp., receives his letter of appointment from Jeju Governor Wi Seong-gon on Wednesday. [Jeju Development Corp.]

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corp. said Wednesday that Kim Do-young officially began his duties as the new president after receiving his letter of appointment from Jeju Governor Wi Seong-gon.

In his inaugural remarks, Kim said he would "combine the speed and innovation of the private sector with the responsibility and public mission of a state-owned enterprise, and ensure that the results of strengthening Jeju Samdasoo's competitiveness flow back to Jeju and its residents." He added that he would "find answers on the ground and show results."

Kim identified strengthening Jeju Samdasoo's competitiveness as his top priority. With competition in the bottled water market intensifying and conditions shifting rapidly, he said the corporation would focus on consolidating Samdasoo's position as South Korea's No. 1 water brand.

Kim also pledged management reforms to put the corporation on a path of sustainable growth. Drawing on his private-sector experience within the framework of a public enterprise's role and responsibilities, he said he would focus on balancing public service and profitability, field-centered management, and an open and transparent organizational culture.

Kim hit the ground running on his first day. After receiving his appointment letter Wednesday morning, he paid his respects at Changnyeolsa Shrine at the Jeju Anti-Japanese Independence Memorial Hall, the Jeju National Cemetery and Jeju April 3 Peace Park. He then held his inauguration ceremony at the Samdasoo production site that afternoon. Following the ceremony, he planned to tour key facilities — including the union office, the Samdasoo research and administrative buildings, the Samdasoo factory and the citrus processing plant — and listen to employees.

Kim, the 13th president of Jeju Development Corp., is a Jeju native who graduated from Ohyeon High School and the College of Business Administration at Seoul National University. He spent about 27 years at private-sector companies including LG Uplus and GS Engineering & Construction, gaining broad management experience across sales, retail, new business development and corporate management.

Kim Do-young, new president of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corp. [Jeju Development Corp.]
Kim Do-young, new president of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corp. [Jeju Development Corp.]

spa@heraldcorp.com