LG Corp's CEO Kwang Mo Koo Encourages Growth and Innovation in 2025 New Year Address
On December 19, 2024, LG Corp's Chairman and CEO, Kwang Mo Koo, reached out to approximately 270,000 employees worldwide with his annual New Year's address. This tradition of delivering a motivational message just before the year begins was established in 2022 to help employees conclude the year on a positive note while preparing for the upcoming opportunities. The theme of this year's address, 'Let’s Shape LG’s Future with the DNA of Challenge and Change We've Had Since Day 1,' underscores LG's commitment to fostering innovation and creating exceptional value for its customers.
Koo highlighted the importance of LG's foundational spirit, emphasizing how the company's DNA of taking on challenges has been pivotal in its success. He stated, 'Our Day 1 spirit reflects a boldness to choose paths others might avoid. This inherent trait has allowed us to build a rich history of breakthroughs.' With insights drawn from LG's journey, he urged employees to recognize that delivering valuable customer experiences 'is no easy task,' yet one that drives the company forward.
He continued to inspire his team by acknowledging their efforts in making 2024 a remarkable year, referring to them as 'Customer Value Creators.' Koo reflected on the past, acknowledging the necessity of stepping outside of familiar territory, which entails confronting fears of failure, to drive innovation. He reiterated that the spirit of challenge and change is vital for LG's journey into the future.
In the revealed video message, Koo put forth a detailed vision for 2025, which included technological advancements such as AI, and innovative solutions aiming to enhance customers' lives and contribute positively to the environment. He mentioned, 'From AI and smart solutions to biotech and cleantech, we will cultivate ideas that foster healthier lives and a cleaner planet.' This approach aligns with LG's ongoing commitment to sustainability and customer service, showing the company's ambition to remain essential to its customers' lives.
Throughout the address, several LG employees shared testimonials about the exceptional customer value they are generating through their projects. For instance, initiatives in AI are on the rise, with projects aimed at developing smart home solutions and personalized care aimed at simplifying daily chores for users. These testimonies not only demonstrate the commitment of the workforce but also highlight the collaborative spirit nurtured within the company.
As the address progressed, Koo continued to reinforce that LG’s journey of transformation hinges on understanding and empathizing with customers. He invited all team members to take this journey together, saying, 'Every challenge and change driven by each of us in our respective roles adds immense value to our journey.' This invitation reflects not just the ethos of LG but also showcases Koo’s leadership style – one that motivates and encourages teamwork.
Filmed at Connectwin, a recently renovated shared space at the LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, Seoul, the backdrop symbolized connectivity and success. This location choice is fitting as it represented the dual mission of uniting the workforce for future triumphs.
Since implementing his customer-focused message in 2019, Koo's annual addresses have progressively evolved, tackling various customer pain points and emphasizing the importance of transforming customer lives with valuable experiences. He has effectively guided the company toward a future defined by its commitment to customer value, industry leadership, and continuous innovation, thus establishing LG as a pioneering innovator.
Looking ahead, CEO Kwang Mo Koo’s vision of 2025 indeed paints an exciting picture for LG as it aims to redefine customer interactions and continue its legacy of creating products and solutions that improve quality of life. As employees set to embrace these challenges and embody the core values of the company, LG stands poised to make significant strides in the years to come.