Third-Generation Heirs Put to Test Leading Food Industry New Businesses
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Major Korean food groups have promoted third-generation heirs into roles focused on new growth rather than core legacy businesses. Orion promoted Dam Seowon to head a new Strategy & Management division in Korea overseeing new businesses, global operations and CSR; Nongshim elevated Shin Sang-yeol to lead future business including alternative foods and food tech; Samyang raised Jeon Byung-woo to COO to manage global expansion of the Buldak (spicy chicken) brand and overseas production. These posts emphasize long-term, high-risk initiatives—new business development, alternative proteins, and global production—that take time and investment to prove results. The moves reflect an industry shift: domestic market growth is slowing, so companies are betting on next-generation growth engines and making heirs visibly responsible for them. Observers say the promotions both spotlight the heirs and set clear accountability—success could validate their management credentials.
