 |
| Andreas Kim, Managing Director of Lectra Greater China |
|
|
|
Andreas (Andy) Kim, who was recently appointed as Managing Director of Lectra Greater China, holds in high regard the new generation of Chinese managers and workers. In a recent interview with AdsaleATA.com, Mr Kim shared his vision at his new post.
ATA: AdsaleATA.com
Mr Kim: Andreas Kim, Managing Director of Lectra Greater China
ATA: What is your main role in your new position? Any difference from the previous jobs?
Mr Kim: To make product life management (PLM) successful in the fashion sector of the country (China).
I had worked for innovative companies like Texas Instrument, Sun Microsystems and etc. Lectra is also a technology-based company. The difference lies in end markets the companies are serving. At Lectra, the clients are operating primarily in the sectors of fashion, accessories, footwear, furniture, automotive, aerospace, marine or industrial fabrics.
ATA: Some industry players may be less sure if PLM solutions can really take off in the Chinese apparel industry. What's your opinion?
Mr Kim: Chinese employees are hard-working and intelligent, and they are able to make use the internationally advanced technologies in production bases on mainland China.
ATA: Are you optimistic about this?
Mr Kim: Yes, I am.
ATA: Is there any particular strategy to market this western product in the Asian market?
Mr Kim: I don't think our customers see it (PLM) as a western product; it is fundamentally a means for continuous improvement. There are early adopters (in China) with managers who really understand the manufacturing operations and want to constantly grow the business and aim to be the world's best.
There are typical qualities that I see in very successful managers in China. They are ambitious, highly intelligent and dedicated to their work. They're motivated by the wish to build something that's good. With those kind of customers, advanced technologies such as PLM are just another tool enabling them to reach their goals. They’re the new breed of managers in China.
ATA: What is your impression of China over these years?
Mr Kim: I've seen lots of changes in China (including Chinese managers) in the last five years, in my opinion.
China today does not necessarily need to go through all the learning processes that other countries underwent. European and American customers had to wait decades before the textile industry could enjoy the advanced software solutions. This is now available for Chinese users, allowing them to achieve the same level of technology available with the best companies in the world. By adopting the internationally advanced technology and solutions early, Chinese users have the potential to gain an upper hand in the market and make an even better product that leads in the world.
This was the case of Samsung in the past years. By well adopting the LED television technology, the Korean company has been advancing itself to be the top electric manufacturer in the world. This is the opportunity we can have in the apparel industry in China.
(Further discussion can be found at ATA Journal Jun/Jul 2010: Market Focus on page 58)
ATA: Your understanding of both western and Asian cultures is beneficial to this global business organization. How does your Korean background help you at work?
Mr Kim: The cultural similarity between Korea and China helps me better understand this part of Asia. And I am able to leverage with my education and experience in the workplace.
ATA: How do you relax yourself in the leisure time?
Mr Kim: I don't have much personal time for leisure activity, although I like many kinds of sports like golfing, tennis and etc. As a father of two daughters (9 and 11 years old respectively) and husband, I spend weekends with the family for dinner or to pick up the latest happenings of our daughters.
Profile
Born in Korea, Mr Kim grew up in the United States and holds a BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science, an MSc in Computer Science and Engineering, and an MBA in Marketing and Finance from top American universities.
He has over 20 years' experience in engineering, marketing, sales, services, business development and strategy, developing international businesses both in the US and across the globe. In his most recent position, Andreas was Senior Vice President for Marketing and Services of Lectra Asia-Pacific, based in Shanghai. Prior to joining Lectra, he worked in such large global companies as Texas Instruments, Sun Microsystems and Tektronix, as well as in market-leading startups, such as WebTrends.
Before staying with Lectra for about two years now, Mr Kim has been living in Shanghai since 2005. Prior to that, he lived in HK from 1995 to 1999.
|
|
| We are collecting readers' comment for improving our website. If you are willing to help, please CLICK HERE to complete a survey. Your comments matter. |
|
|
|
|
| Copyright © Adsale Publishing Limited. Any party needs to reprint any part of the content should get the written approval from Adsale Publishing Ltd and quote the source "ATA Journal for Asia on Textile & Apparel", Adsale Textile English Website - www.AdsaleATA.com. We reserve the right to take legal action against any party who reprints any part of this article without acknowledgement. For enquiry, please contact Editorial Department. |
Write a mail to the editor : 
