The Korea Development Strategy Institute (KDS), a specialist international development consulting firm, held an inauguration ceremony Wednesday for Jeon Hong-min, its new president and director general. Jeon took office as the third president in KDS's history.
The ceremony opened with remarks by KDS Chairman Jeon Seung-hun, who called on staff to work together under the new leadership. "Based on the experience KDS has accumulated over the past 25 years, I hope we will continue to grow under new leadership," he said.
Jeon Hong-min holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Seoul National University and a master's degree in international studies from Yonsei University's Graduate School of International Studies. He previously served at KDS as head of the management planning division and head of the global climate change division.
The inauguration was structured around direct dialogue between the new president and staff.
Kim Sung-gyu, a professor at Korea University's Institute for Sustainability, moderated a talk show under the theme "What We Hope for from New Leadership! #GrowTogether." Jeon exchanged views with representative panelists from across the organization on shifts in the international development cooperation market and KDS's future direction. He also took questions that staff had submitted in advance.
A networking program for all staff followed the main event.
In his inaugural address, Jeon outlined KDS's key achievements and the challenges ahead. The institute has carried out more than 300 international development projects in 140 countries and maintains cooperative networks with public institutions, universities and private-sector partners.
"We need a new growth strategy to respond to a changing ODA market environment and intensifying competition," Jeon said.
Jeon also unveiled a draft "KDS Vision 2030" plan Wednesday. Built around the core slogan "Grow Together, Beyond ODA," the plan identifies three strategic priorities: expanding markets and strengthening strategic partnerships, deepening expertise, and fostering organizational culture and talent development.
"I will work together with all staff to grow into an organization that creates positive change in society," Jeon said.
kim3956@heraldcorp.com
