Hanwha M&S launch tests Kim Dong-seon's leadership

With the launch of Hanwha Machinery and Service Holdings (M&S) on Aug. 3, Kim Dong-seon, its president and head of future strategy, has begun overseeing the newly established holding company, which comprises seven key subsidiaries and 57 companies in total. While the three sons of Chairman Kim Seung-youn have each taken on roles in different sectors within the group, the youngest faces a leadership test with the rather unusual combination of businesses — technology and life solutions. Previously, Kim Dong-seon was vice president at Hanwha Galleria, Hanwha Hotels & Resorts, Ourhome and Hanwha Vision, overseeing businesses spanning retail, food, hotels and robotics. He now also oversees the group’s tech businesses, including semiconductor manufacturing equipment, logistics automation systems and artificial intelligence (AI)-based visual analysis and solutions. Four subsidiaries under Hanwha M&S specialize in technology and equipment: Hanwha Vision, Hanwha Semitech, Hanwha Momentum and Hanwha Robotics. This has raised questions about how Kim will manage these tech firms alongside Galle