LG Uplus CEO pursues 'low-key' approach

LG Uplus Vice Chairman and CEO Kwon Young-soo, right, ties the laces of shoes worn by a manager at one LG Uplus’ authorized local retail shops during a company event in the Gonjiam Resort, last week. / Courtesy of LG Uplus

By Kim Yoo-chul

LG Uplus Vice Chairman Kwon Young-soo pursues a “low-key approach” toward employees in accordance with his initiative to reform the company’s rigid corporate culture through improving communications.

On Tuesday, the company said it has invited about 700 managers of LG-authorized outlets across the country to the luxurious LG-owned Konjiam Resort, outside of Seoul, for in-depth discussions into expanding the sale of LG mobile devices.

In a statement, LG said Vice Chairman Kwon stressed the importance of “two-way communication” and “listening skills” over “reading skills.”

“If you sincerely listen to views from others, then you will know the minds of your clients,” the CEO told the participants in a lecture. “Try to be a good listener rather than a speaker.”

This year’s “leadership camp” is the first of its kind since LG Uplus opened in 2010. All senior LG management attended the event, according to the statement.

“Participants shared their business knowhow and skills for impressing customers,” said the statement.

Kwon gifted all participants with shoes and letters to thank them for their efforts to compete with rival firms in the “war of customers.”

“Please don’t give up. If you want it, then you will get it,” Kwon was quoted as saying in the statement. “Please join with me to turn today’s challenges into new opportunities.”

Kwon, a former CEO at LG Display who also served as the chief of LG Chem’s battery business, replaced longtime LG Uplus CEO Lee Sang-chul to become the new corporate CEO.

Under Kwon’s leadership, LG Display rose as the world’s top display supplier, while LG Chem emerged as the top battery manufacturer.

Although, the telecom business is local-oriented and greatly affected by regulatory issues, LG Uplus aims to challenge market leaders KT and SK Telecom by diversifying its business portfolio, as Kwon is known to have solid contacts with the top management of global tech firms.