NCsoft pares down founding family's influence with global reshuffle

NCsoft has carried out a global C-suite reshuffle in a bid to generate new revenue streams, reducing the influence of founder Kim Taek-jin's family.

NCsoft's Research and Development (R&D) center in Pangyo, Gyeonggi [NCSOFT]

NCsoft rolled out a major C-suite reshuffle in its overseas operations in a bid to discover new revenue streams globally, a move that ultimately diminishes the dominant influence of founder Kim Taek-jin’s family.

The game publisher announced on Monday that it recruited an outside executive, Jin Jeong-hee, former CEO of Pearl Abyss America, to head NCsoft’s North American subsidiary, NC America. Before Pearl Abyss, Jin also headed the U.S. subsidiary of another game publisher, Kakao Games.

“With over 15 years of leadership experience in both Western and Korean gaming companies, she brings extensive expertise in game publishing and global business expansion in the Western market,” NCsoft said in a statement. “NCsoft plans to enhance its global competitiveness and accelerate the regional expansion strategy by leveraging CEO Jin’s deep understanding, extensive experience and strong network in the Western game market.”

Jin commented that she will do her best for “NCsoft’s game development capabilities and values that are widely recognized on the global stage.”

NC America's new CEO, Jin Jeong-hee, left, and NCsoft's co-CEO Park Byung-moo, who also heads NC West [NCSOFT]

NC Japan and NC Taiwan, the game publisher’s Japanese and Taiwanese subsidiaries, will be headed concurrently by Lim Won-ki, who currently serves as the company’s chief business management officer.

Lim succeeds Kim Taek-heon, the founder’s brother who currently serves as senior vice president.

NC West Holdings, the game publisher's parent company that oversees the North American and European regions, will be led by NCsoft’s co-CEO Park Byung-moo, replacing Yoon Song-yee, the founder’s wife and NCsoft president.

With the withdrawal, Yoon is said to be redirecting her focus to social activities as the chairperson of the NC Cultural Foundation.

The announcement marks the further recession of the dominance held by the founder's family. Senior Vice President Kim resigned from his position as the chief strategy officer back in January along with Yoon, who stepped down as the chief publishing officer.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]