KT announces changes in global content push

KT yesterday launched a partial structural overhaul and executive-level reshuffle amid efforts to move away from its longtime identity as a mobile service provider and toward being a global media content leader.

Korea’s largest mobile carrier established a communications department, consolidating the Group Media and Communication Strategy Division, which handles internal communication, and external public relations.

The new department will be headed by Kim Eun-hye, KT’s first woman chief of public relations and former executive director of Group Media and Communication. Prior to joining KT in December 2010, she served as a reporter for MBC and spokeswoman for the Blue House.

Lee Gil-ju, an executive director who has been taking care of public relations for three decades, was promoted to vice president of KT. Kim Hong-jin, vice president at the Global and Enterprise department, will be president.

The Gwanghwamun, central Seoul-based company set up another entity called the New Business Department, which will focus on drivers of future growth. Executive Director Oh Se-hyun, formerly responsible for new business strategy, will head the new department. She worked for IBM before KT and is sister of former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

KT Chairman Lee Suk-chae has been outspoken about fostering women leaders. At the “Female CEO Forum” in September, he said, “10 percent of executives at KT are women and we will soon see a woman president.”

KT, which was privatized a decade ago, said yesterday’s measure will be followed by a major annual reshuffling later this month or in early January. Chairman Lee had his three-year term extended in March.

As revenues from mobile service market have stalled, KT has been striving to transform its corporate identity into a “global media content provider” by acquiring various media content creators, such as music streaming firms and their online distributors. The efforts have helped to push KT shares up by 15 percent this year.

By Seo Ji-eun [spring@joongang.co.kr]