Samsung SDI President Choi Yoon-ho Declares "Preparing to be No.1 in the World" at Employee Meeting

Townhall Meeting 'Open Talk' with Giheung Headquarters Employees on the 13th

First Public Disclosure of "Global Top Tier Concerns" to Employees
One Month After the First Groundbreaking of the All-Solid-State Pilot Line on March 14

Sincere Answers to Questions on Wage Negotiations, Paternity Leave, Bonuses, etc.
President Choi Emphasizes "Continuity and Sincerity" as the Core of Communication

Choi Yoon-ho, CEO of Samsung SDI, attentively listening to questions during the town hall meeting "Open Talk" with employees held at the Giheung headquarters in Gyeonggi-do on the 13th. (Photo by Samsung SDI)

CEO Choi Yoon-ho listening to employees' questions at the Open Talk event

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok]

"Communication is the starting point of change to become a truly number one company and the beginning of value creation. Samsung SDI is contemplating and preparing what must be done from now on to become a global top tier by 2030."

On the 14th, Samsung SDI announced that CEO Yoonho Choi made his first remarks about becoming the "world's number one company" during an 'Open Talk' with employees on the theme of 'communication and collaboration.' "This is the first time he has publicly shared with all employees that he is contemplating making Samsung SDI a 'global top tier.' This came just one month after announcing on the 14th of last month the groundbreaking of the so-called 'dream battery,' an all-solid-state battery pilot line (pilot production line) at the SDI Research Center in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do."

At the Open Talk held on the 13th at the Giheung headquarters, key executives including CEO Choi, Vice Presidents Yoonchang Kim (Small Battery Division), Kwangsung Kim (Electronic Materials Division), Hyuk Jang (Research Center), and Jongseong Kim (Management Office), as well as some CA (Change Agents) and employees attended, and it was broadcast live online to all employees. It reportedly drew enthusiastic responses, with about 600 questions submitted by employees.

According to Samsung SDI, employees asked candid and sometimes sensitive questions during the Open Talk, such as about wage negotiations, use of paternity leave, and performance bonuses, to which CEO Choi responded sincerely. He also openly shared his personal experiences and thoughts in response to questions about 'difficult moments and rewarding experiences during company life' and 'success factors.'

Samsung SDI reported that employees gave positive feedback on the Open Talk, saying things like "The new format was fresh and good," "It was a great opportunity to learn the CEO's thoughts on various issues," and "The CEO's reflection and commitment to communication felt genuine." They also expressed anticipation for future Open Talks.

Choi Yoon-ho, CEO of Samsung SDI, speaks at the employee 'Open Talk' held on the 13th at the headquarters in Giheung, Gyeonggi Province. (Photo by Samsung SDI)

Earlier, on the 29th of last month, CEO Choi received the Gold Tower Industrial Medal from the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the occasion of the 49th Commerce Day. This recognized his contributions to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, such as operating the 'Sustainable Management Council' and supporting win-win funds for small and medium partner companies while serving as President of Samsung Electronics' Management Support Office.

True to his reputation, since assuming the role of CEO of Samsung SDI four months ago, he has consistently continued communication and ESG management. Since his appointment, CEO Choi has held about 30 lunch meetings with employees and meetings with domestic and overseas staff. Recently, he visited overseas subsidiaries to listen to on-site voices and share the company's mid- to long-term vision. On the 4th, he held an online 'Executive Communication Workshop' for mindset change with key executives at Samsung Electronics Talent Development Center's Seocheon Training Center.

His communication philosophy is "to sincerely engage with each employee and to persistently keep trying until it becomes second nature." He has emphasized communication with 'continuity' and 'sincerity.' At the Open Talk, CEO Choi stressed, "Communication is the starting point of change and value creation, and listening is the starting point of communication. Communication that lacks sincerity is better not done at all." He plans to continue holding lunch meetings with employees from various levels and conduct quarterly Open Talks on specific topics to activate communication between management and employees.

Prior to the Open Talk event, Samsung SDI also held a 'Hidden Hero' awards ceremony. This event honors unsung colleagues who quietly perform their duties and do their best for the company's development. Awards were given in three key management areas emphasized by CEO Choi: 'super-gap technological competitiveness,' 'best quality,' and 'qualitative growth with profitability advantage.' Going forward, about ten Hidden Heroes will be selected and awarded each quarter. CEO Choi plans to express his gratitude for their contributions and listen to diverse opinions from various sites through lunch meetings with the selected Hidden Heroes.