MS Korea CEO reelected AMCHAM chairman

James Kim

By Kim Yoo-chul

Microsoft (MS) Korea CEO James Kim has been reelected as chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM Korea).

"Kim will lead AMCHAM throughout next year as the MS Korea country manager was reelected in voting by members," AMCHAM said Thursday.

Kim has served as AMCHAM chairman since early this year. The extension of his term was decided by over 900 corporate members, with his re-election notified to them via e-mail.

Officials say Kim has played a significant role in boosting partnerships between American companies operating here and Korean industry.

Kim, a Harvard graduate, is fluent in English and Korean and fully understands the local culture and people.

"Under his leadership, AMCHAM's role inside Korean industries has grown. He knows how to talk with Korean companies and how to help them strengthen business ties with AMCHAM corporate members," said an official.

Since February 2009, James Kim has led Microsoft here. Before moving to the MS Korea CEO position, Kim served as the CEO of Yahoo Korea from 2007.

Kim has effectively handled key issues such as licensing disputes over the use of its word program with the defense ministry in Korea, as well as expanding partnerships with Samsung and LG Electronics.

MS Korea is teaming up with the two in healthcare platforms and cloud computing-related solutions.

Although MS is currently involved in a legal dispute with Samsung over royalty payments, officials said the dispute is on track to being resolved.

The AMCHAM chairman is expected to request officials at the trade ministry and other high-ranking government officials in Korea to ease rules and regulations and improve conditions for investment by holding small-scale round table meetings.

"Since the U.S.-Korea free trade pact, AMCHAM has been consistent in raising its voice to ease regulations and to resolve discrimination against American companies here," according to the official.

He said AMCHAM corporate members have interest in building hospitals, shopping centers and schools in the metropolitan area with more tax and administrative benefits.

AMCHAM has named Boeing Korea CEO Eric John and McDonald's Korea CEO Joe Erlinger as new vice chairmen, increasing the number to four with Costco Wholesale Korea CEO Preston C. Draper and Pfizer Korea CEO Lee Dong-soo.

"The Boeing Korea CEO John and McDonald's Korea CEO Erlinger are expected to vie for the next AMCHAM chairman position," said the official.