By education, upbringing and inclination, H.C. (Hak Cheol) Shin has gained a global perspective that he puts to daily use as executive vice president of international operations of 3M. The company operates in 70 countries and sells its products in about 200.
Born in Chungju, South Korea, H.C. earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Seoul National University. Just a few years later, he launched a career with 3M that has spanned upwards of three decades – and two continents. He began as a technical service supervisor with 3M Korea in 1984. He went on to become a sales and marketing manager for two divisions, then a business group manager. He eventually moved to 3M Philippines in 1995 to become managing director. H.C. takes a measure of pride in the three years he ran 3M Philippines, which overcame regional challenges to double its sales.
3M puts core strengths to work to overcome challenges around the world, he says.
“No one else can claim the depth and breadth of our technologies, our manufacturing intricacies, our supply chain capability, the capabilities of our global reach – or our integrity,” H.C. says. “Our people underlie all of it, and you soon realize that they are why 3M is such a strong company.”
H.C.’s deep-rooted curiosity about the world extends to his off-work hours. When not in the office – for a work day that begins around 6 a.m. to accommodate international conference calls – he can be found reading everything from analyses of recent political dynamics to historical novels set in China. He’s also active with his church and organizations that support Asian adoptees.