Tyler Kim | The Innovator 25 Asia Pacific 2018
Innovator 25 AP Tyler Kim

Tyler Kim

Managing Director, North Asia / Chair of Operations APAC

Weber Shandwick
Seoul

“Approach issues/problems with not a PR mindset but with a business analyst mindset”

Since launching Weber Shandwick in Korea in 2009, Tyler Kim has overseen the firm’s rise into one of the market’s largest agencies, with more than 100 people. That approach has been bolstered by integrations with a local digital agency and with McCann Health, helping Kim carve out a distinctive social/digital positioning in the market. In particular, growth has been fuelled by integrated marketing and specialist digital work, bolstered by senior hires across consumer, digital and content — more than 20% of Weber Shandwick’s Korea staff is specialised in such areas as digital production and creative services. On the back of Kim’s success in growing the Korea business, he was this year handed the mandate to spearhead Weber Shandwick’s transformation in Japan as MD of North Asia.

What is the most innovative comms/marketing initiative you've seen in the last 12 months?
AIG All Black Diversity in Strength

In your opinion, what brands and/or agencies are most innovative around PR and marketing?
Red Bull

Describe a moment in your career that you would consider 'innovative.'
Building social/digital business by integrating local digital agency.

Who do you admire for his/her approach to innovation?
Bruce Lee

How do you get out of a creativity rut?
Go for a walk and observe people and street/store signs.

What advice would you give to the PR industry around embracing innovation?
Approach issues/problems with not a PR mindset but with a business analyst mindset.

What would you be doing if you weren't doing your current job?
Forest Ranger or K-Pop Star (wishful thinking)

Favorite book/movie/podcast/article that's not related to PR/marketing/business?
Count of Mnote Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

What's your favourite time of day and why?
6am - 8am. I begin my day with QT where I reflect on the previous day and plan the day before me. I also get to spend quality time with my son driving him to school where we talk about everything.