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Soohyung Um

PartnerSeoul

Leader of McKinsey Transformation and the People & Organization and Operations Practices in South Korea

Soohyung is a partner based in Seoul, South Korea, dedicated to guiding companies toward sustainable change through the meticulous implementation of holistic transformation programs. With over a decade of experience in management consulting and financial advisory, he partners closely with clients to navigate and resolve financial and operational challenges while enhancing and realizing value.

He is particularly committed to transforming South Korean B2B companies, which make up approximately 70 percent of the 1,500 KOSPI-listed firms. These companies face significant challenges in reshaping cost structures and driving second-wave growth amid intense global competition and stagnant productivity.

Soohyung has successfully led holistic transformation programs for a diverse array of organizations, including a subsidiary of a global leading heavy industry group. In this capacity, he orchestrated multiple workstreams that resulted in a 6 percent improvement in EBITDA, demonstrating his skill in driving substantial financial performance through strategic collaboration and targeted interventions.

As a respected thought leader, Soohyung is also a frequent keynote speaker at both global and local business media forums, where he shares valuable insights and strategies that inspire and inform his audience.

He holds certifications as a Korea Institute Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Tax Attorney.

published work

"China is set to dominate the robot market, driven by AI and cost competitiveness," Maeil Business Newspaper, February 2025

Past Experience

AlixPartners
Senior vice president

Education

Korea University
BBA, corporate finance and economics