TRANSEARCH International Opens New Office in South Korea
September 19, 2024 – TRANSEARCH International has opened a new office in South Korea. Heading the new office is managing partner JH Baek. “This addition is a significant milestone for us, as it strengthens our presence in a key market that is critical to the growth and development of the Asia-Pacific region,” said Celeste Whatley, CEO of TRANSEARCH International. “South Korea is a dynamic and strategic market and having a strong partner here will allow us to better serve our global clients with local expertise.”
A veteran of the automotive and consumer industries, Mr. Baek has over 30 years of experience. He brings expertise in leadership roles, having held senior positions at renowned companies such as Kia Motors, Hyundai Motors, and Jaguar Land Rover Korea. “His deep understanding of the Korean market, coupled with his extensive network and proven track record, positions him perfectly to lead TRANSEARCH’s operations in the region,” the search firm said.
“As managing partner at TRANSEARCH International Korea, I am thrilled to join a prestigious global search firm dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with leading organizations,” said Mr. Baek. “We are poised for significant growth as we leverage our extensive network and expertise to enhance our operations in Korea and expand our reach globally. By partnering with TRANSEARCH, a top 10 global search firm, we are committed to delivering tailored recruitment solutions that drive business success and foster long-lasting relationships. I eagerly anticipate the opportunities ahead as we transform the executive search landscape both locally and internationally.”
South Korea’s economy, driven by key industries such as automotive, electronics, and shipbuilding, is one of the most vibrant in the world. The country’s business environment is characterized by a strong emphasis on relationship-building and networking, making it an ideal location for TRANSEARCH’s continued expansion. The new office will offer a full range of executive search services, focusing on the unique needs of the Korean market while tapping into TRANSEARCH’s global expertise.
TRANSEARCH is a global search firm with representation in all of the major economic capitals, with about 60 offices in over 40 countries. It was founded in 1982 and today completes more than 1,500 senior executive search assignments a year. Its global client base is in the financial services, technology, consumer and retail, life sciences, and industrial and resources sectors.
Recent Growth
In May, TRANSEARCH named John Watson as partner and global head of the travel, tourism, and hospitality practice. “John has a unique blend of working for a family trust, privately held businesses and PLCs at senior levels,” TRANSEARCH said. “He understands the importance of staff, customers and suppliers working in harmony, nurturing and directing resources. Comfortable in strategy, sales & marketing, finance, distribution, customer service & delivery, key account management, partner & deal negotiations and relationships, John has been security cleared to work in sensitive government, airline and banking positions.”
Mr. Watson has a distinguished career spanning over four decades, marked by leadership roles across global organizations. “His extensive experience in developing robust operational strategies and his deep-rooted understanding of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries will significantly enhance our firm’s growth and innovation,” TRANSEARCH said.
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Earlier this year, TRANSEARCH expanded in the Middle East and Africa region with the opening of a new office in Istanbul, Turkey. The firm named Murat Öztürk as managing partner to lead the office. “We are delighted to expand into Turkey,” said Celeste Whatley, CEO of TRANSEARCH International. “Having a presence in Turkey again is a significant milestone for us as Turkey is a regional power with a geopolitically significant strategic location. Murat’s leadership and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success in the region.”
With 15 years in executive search, Mr. Öztürk has specialized in senior leadership appointments across various sectors, including consumer goods, technology, business & professional services, life sciences, and industrial. His track record includes over 300 completed executive search mandates spanning Turkey, the Middle East, and CIS Countries. Before joining TRANSEARCH, Mr. Öztürk served as a partner at the International Executive Search Federation, a European executive search network, for seven years.
Related: TRANSEARCH International Opens Office in Hamburg
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media