The three-year contract of Videocon’s Korean CEO ends in April and he hasn’t been asked to stay longer. Viveat Susan Pinto confirms this from him and his boss. Edited excerpts:
Q&A: Venugopal Dhoot, Chairman, Videocon
‘We’ll identify a successor’
Have you identified a successor to Kim?
Not yet. But we will do that in the forthcoming months. We will take into account Kim's inputs here.
What was the mandate given to Kim, when he was appointed in 2008?
Multiple things. To ensure leadership in the domestic and international market. To increase market share by five per cent in every category we operate in. To leverage technology, to increase exports.
Has Kim delivered on these counts?
Yes, though exports could have been better. We are doing exports of Rs 800 crore at the moment, in comparison to Rs 3,000 crore we had targeted earlier. But exports overall have not been substantial for consumer durable firms. The market meltdown globally and reduced consumer spends have contributed to this. We are hoping to achieve the target of Rs 3,000 crore in the next three years.
Which markets do you export to, and which ones will you add to the list, going forward?
We export to Europe, China, Africa and Indonesia. We would like to expand our reach to the US, Australia, Thailand and West Asia.
Q&A: K R Kim, VC & CEO, Videocon
‘My work will be taken forward’
Why the decision to move on?
My original contract was for three years, which will come to an end in April 2011.
Has there been no offer to extend your contract?
No such offer has come. I've had a wonderful time here at Videocon. There has been overall improvement at the firm. I am satisfied. Apart from focusing on quality and innovation, I also tried pushing exports at Videocon. We have done some work there. But the market outside is too competitive, with Chinese, Korean and other companies all fighting for share. It’s tough.
Will you stay back if an offer from an Indian firm comes your way?
If there is an opportunity to work in India, then I will consider it. So far, no such offer has come my way. As things stand now, I intend heading back to my home country of South Korea. I will leverage my international experience to provide consultancy services to small and medium enterprises located there. There are many such firms in South Korea which don't have the kind of wherewithal that large firms do. As a consultant, I will guide them through their operations.
How would you describe your time here in India?
Wonderful. Ten years at LG from 1997 to 2007, and then three years at Videocon. It was great. My focus has always been on improving quality and innovating. That was successfully implemented at LG, which is why the firm is where it is. They are doing well even after my exit. As far as Videocon goes, I have seen some improvement in the firm since my coming on board. I am sure the management will take that forward.
