Kellogg claims CEO of the Year award

By Lee Hyo-sik

Nongshim Kellogg CEO Han Jong-kap was chosen as the CEO of the Year by business magazine Fortune Korea for his role in introducing a range of innovative products by the cereal maker, the company said Thursday.

Han, who joined Nongshim Kellogg in July 2014, won the CEO of the Year award for 2016 in the product quality category, in recognition for the company’s successful release of several popular new products, the magazine said. In 2015, its sales jumped 12.4 percent to 125.2 billion won.

“Nongshim Kellogg will continue to promote innovation in how we conduct our business. We will offer an array of innovative products to consumers in the breakfast and snack segments,” the CEO said after winning the award. “We are placing top priority in providing healthy and nutritious options for regular meals. We will make every effort to remain the top choice for Korean consumers.”

Han, who began his carrier at Nestle in 1989, is known for rich experience as one of the top managers in the food industry.

Under his leadership, Nongshim Kellogg has introduced numerous cereal products, including Real Granola, in line with Korea’s growing wellbeing trend. It also released Pringles Butter Caramel and other snack products to serve those seeking new tastes.

In cooperation with Maeil Dairies, Kellogg recently unveiled a cereal product that also has fresh yogurt, attracting keen attention from increasingly health-conscious consumers.

Nongshim, Korea’s largest instant noodle maker, holds a 10 percent stake in Nongshim Kellogg, while the remaining 90 percent is owned by Kellogg. The joint firm, founded in 1981, operates a plant in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province.