By James Wells

SYDNEY: Samsung Electronics Australia managing director, Mr JS Park, will return to the company’s head office in Korea next month after quadrupling the turnover of the local subsidiary during his five years in the role.

Mr Park will be replaced by Mr Koo-Yeon Choi – the current vice president of the company’s CTV division in Korea – who will arrive in early February.

In a statement announcing his departure from Samsung Australia, Mr Park said today he enjoyed his time working in Sydney.

“It has been five years since I took over this position in Australia and it is time for me to leave as I have recently received a new assignment in head office. My life in Australia is filled with pleasure and satisfaction – both in business and my personal lifestyle,” Mr Park said.

“Our turnover has increased about four times since I took over five years ago. Our brand has been promoted significantly to become one of the major brands in the industry. To the community, we kept our commitment through sports sponsorships, cultural sponsorship, Samsung Melbourne Marathon, social responsibility program via Digital Hope and other youth projects.”

Samsung also announced today that it will continue its sponsorship of the Melbourne Victory Football Club, which commenced at the launch of the A League competition in October 2005.

“Melbourne Victory is at the top of the table, they’ve won the premiership and are in a great position to take out the championship this season,” said Samsung Electronics Australia general manager – corporate marketing, Kurt Jovais.

“With over 300,000 fans cheering the team on this season, Melbourne Victory FC has been a competitive, engaging and entertaining team to be involved with. They have such a competitive spirit and we’re excited to see what new heights the team can reach in the next season,” Jovais said.

Samsung is also involved with several other global sporting sponsorships including the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, Asian Games and the Chelsea Football Club. In Australia, Samsung sponsors the Sydney Roosters rugby league team as well as Quiksilver and Roxy surf and snow events.