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Gihong Kim

PartnerSeoul

Leads the Operation Practice in South Korea and helps energy, construction, and oil and gas clients achieve their next S-curve transformation through expertise in capital excellence and sustainability

Gihong is a partner in McKinsey’s Seoul office and leads the firm’s Operations Practice in South Korea. He works with energy, oil and gas, construction, and investment organizations to help them develop growth strategies and improve operational performance. Gihong assists leading companies in navigating the challenges of the net-zero transition and seizing opportunities through company-wide transformations.

Some of his recent client work includes:

  • developing portfolio optimization and new business strategies for a global energy company, including hydrogen, renewable energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and energy solutions
  • leading a company-wide transformation for a major petrochemical company, focusing on margin improvement, operational excellence, reduction of maintenance and procurement costs, and capex optimization
  • supporting numerous exit preparations, including IPOs, commercial due diligence, and joint venture partnerships for private equity firms and conglomerates

Prior to joining McKinsey, Gihong worked as a mechanical engineer and project manager in the engineering and energy sectors. He is passionate about supporting the sustainable transition of the South Korean energy industry, providing various advisory services, and striving to be a role model for the younger generation in South Korea, drawing on his extensive industry experience.

Gihong is fluent in English and Korean. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling with his wife and their two young children.

PAST EXPERIENCE

Veolia
Project manager

Samsung E&A
Mechanical engineer

EDUCATION

Seoul National University
BS, mechanical engineering