LG Chem seeks Chinese talents for future growth

South Korean battery-maker and chemical firm LG Chem is seeking to attract global talents in China for future growth.

LG Chem chief executive Park Jin-soo, chief human resource officer Kim Min-hwan and other top executives recently flew to China to hand-pick new employees at a company recruiting event, named the Business and Campus Tour, held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing over the weekend.

Around 30 students from 10 Chinese universities including Peking University and Tsinghua University were invited to the event.

Since China is the firm’s largest target market, the LG Chem CEO has shown great interest in hiring Chinese staff, according to an LG Chem official.

“Around 40 percent of LG Chem’s revenue comes from China for now and the nation will be the most pivotal market for the firm’s future businesses,” said CEO Park said in an event.

“I came here to find young Chinese talents who can excel in making future chemical materials for the Chinese market and selling them.”

The CEO attended a recruiting event in Japan in June and will take part in another one in the U.S. later this year.

The chemical firm has sought to attract talented people overseas for a wide range of business functions including R&D and manufacturing.

Under the leadership of Park, who took office in 2013, the number of executives and employees hired overseas increased 20 percent to 13,800 in the first half of this year from a year ago.

The key affiliate of LG Group has been putting much emphasis on nurturing future cash cow businesses, including energy storage systems and batteries for electric vehicles.

The battery is one of the most successful money-generating businesses. LG Chem has inked supply deals for its batteries with such global carmakers as Nissan, Ford, GM, and Audi.

It was also selected as one of the most competitive ESS-makers in the world by research institute Navigant Research, along with compatriot rival Samsung SDI, armed with its superior marketing strategies, advanced manufacturing capabilities and strong partnerships.

By Kim Young-won  (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)