By J.R. Breen
Contributing Writer
Les Edwards, the chairman of the Seoul mayor's foreign investment advisory body and a former chairman of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea, is set to leave Korea after 16 years.
A well-known figure in the expatriate business community, Edwards, 56, is an advertising professional. He was chairman of the Kiwi Chamber, as it is known, for 18 months from its founding in 2008 until earlier this year. He leaves Korea next month.
``I am both excited and sad, it has been a really nice time,'' Edwards said. ``I met my wife here, we got married here, our kids were born here. But I am excited to start a second career and second part of my life in New Zealand.''
The Kiwi Chamber and Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (Austcham Korea) jointly hosted a farewell dinner for Edwards Tuesday at the Grand Hyatt Seoul under the theme ``Lest We Forget.''
The event was set to feature a mock debate on the motion that Edwards should be allowed to leave, with friends debating the for and against arguments.
``I am delighted and honoured that the chambers would host a farewell dinner for me and my wife,'' he said.
Originally from New Zealand, Edwards has not lived in the country for 35 years, but will return to Nelson, the town where he was born.
``In my mid 50s, it is the perfect time to go back and start a career,'' Edwards said. ``I am excited to try and see what business I can develop between New Zealand and Korea.''
Beyond his work duties, Edwards has tirelessly volunteered his time to make Korea a friendlier business and social environment.
Edwards was a founding member and chairman of the now- defunct Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ANZCCK).
As the chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Foreign Investment Advisory Council (FIAC), Edwards has worked closely with current Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former mayor and now President Lee Myung-bak.
He was made an honorary citizen of Seoul in 2006.
Edwards, widely known as one of the more colourful characters of the expat business scene, was clearly popular among his colleagues.
``Les is extremely creative with a unique vision,'' said Chris Callen, successor chairman of the Kiwi Chamber. ``It has been an exciting ride working together with him.
``He is an incredible asset to New Zealand Incorporated and his energy and drive will be missed.''
``It's been a distinct pleasure to work with Les for the last 10 years,'' Sean Rodrigues, chairman of Austcham said. ``He has singlehandedly made life more enjoyable for us expats who make Korea our home. We wish him and his family all the best back in New Zealand.''