LG Electronics' Vice Chairman due in the Gulf

Kim, who this week was named one of the 'Stars Of Asia' by Business Week, is referred to as the 'Jack Welch of Asia' by his colleagues and peers and has been credited with running one of Asia's most efficient manufacturing operations.

"Being named a 'Star of Asia' puts Mr Kim among the 25 Asian leaders which Business Week believes are at the forefront of change," said Mr M. B. Shin, President, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa. "That is quite an accolade for Mr Kim, who began his career with LG Electronics as an engineer over 30 years ago, and it is equally an honour for LG."

Kim, 58, was promoted to Vice Chairman of the global and regional digital leader earlier this year after having headed LG's highly successful digital appliances unit. Last year his division took in revenues of US $5.6 billion, more than double its US $2.7 billion sales of just five years ago. The unit now accounts for over half of LG Electronics' overall profits.

"LG has come from nowhere to rank among the top five in the global home-appliance industry," Business Week says. "In air conditioners, LG is number one in 41 countries and also leads the world in global sales."

In addition, LG Electronics topped global production lists for microwave ovens in 2002. The Korean giant achieved the number one spot with sales of over 12.1m microwave ovens over the year according to a report from the independent Fuji Research Institute Corporation.

"One in four microwave ovens used in the world are made by LG Electronics," said Shin.

Kim, who will be in Dubai on June 21, now has ambitious targets for the future.

"The Vice Chairman has made no secret of the fact that he wants to take LG Electronics to the world's No: 3 digital appliance provider," said Shin.

"LG will continue to increase its sector leadership through design innovation, aggressive marketing and by offering a superior after-sales experience.

"One route we will take to help achieve this is to establish a lead in high-end segments such as Internet-enabled products for the networked home."