Gmarket’s offline sales event in Seoul (File photo, courtesy of Gmarket)
A new chief executive of South Korea’s Gmarket Inc. on Monday pledged to drive the local retail giant Shinsegae Group’s online shopping platform operator to the top position in the local market.
Chung Hyung-kwon, who had led Chinese e-commerce behemoth Alibaba Group’s South Korean operation for six years, vowed to use his expertise built up from his career in global information technology companies for the goal.
“I feel a strong sense of responsibility for assuming the position with the mission to innovate and reform Gmarket when the e-commerce industry is rapidly changing,” Chung said in an inauguration email to staff. “We will reclaim the top place.”
“I am confident that we will achieve the challenging target once I, the new leadership and you, who have various experiences and expertise in the Korean e-commerce sector, form one team and move forward together.”
VETERAN FROM MAJOR IT COMPANIES
New Gmarket CEO Chung Hyung-kwon (File photo)
Chung had also worked at Ant Group, Alibaba’s financial arm, and South Korean fintech platform Kakao Pay Corp., as well as Coupang Inc., the country’s No. 1 online shopping mall.
“I will do my utmost for the rapid development and innovation of Gmarket and you with my know-how and experience at global IT companies,” Chung said.
“Changes and processes to regain the No. 1 position would not be easy,” he said. “We desperately need communication and collaboration among us to overcome the current turbulent period.”
Chung plans to prepare town hall meetings and other events for face-to-face gatherings with employees in the near term to share business directions and visions, a Gmarket official said.
By Sun A Lee
suna@hankyung.com
Jongwoo Cheon edited this article.
