KiBum KIM

Business Developmemt / Project Management Professional / Globalization / Networking

South Korea

About

Oriented professional with over 30 years of experience in diverse projects, backed by a robust network and deep insight into project development and operations. Highly skilled in organizational management with a strong globalization-oriented mindset. Key Achievements: • Strategic Operations & Global Portfolio Management (as COO): Managed a $13.5B portfolio of 90 ongoing projects (30 international, 60 domestic). Spearheaded entry into new markets, including Panama Metro Line 3, Chile Chinchero Airport, and Philippine Railway. Secured the NEOM project through strategic collaboration with Samsung C&T. Established the Smart Construction Team to advance technology, enhanced risk management for profitability, and drove innovation by integrating global talent. • Expert for Dispute Resolution (as COO): Led high-level negotiations to resolve complex claims in Kuwait and Qatar. Secured significant settlements and protected financial interests through expert-level mediation and direct engagement with employers. • Domestic Business Diversification (as COO): Diversified revenue streams by expanding in renewable energy. The successful execution of the Hallim Offshore Wind Farm solidified unrivaled leadership in the domestic market. Further expanded into the biogas sector and increased participation in major private-led investment projects. • Industry Leadership at KSCE: As Chairman of the Overseas Construction Committee (2024) and former Vice Chairman (2020–2023) at Korean Society of Civil Engineers (KSCE), actively advocated for domestic construction culture reforms to enhance international competitiveness. • Global Networking (as COO): Participated in the Korean Government Delegation for Ukraine’s reconstruction in Kyiv, engaging with high-level officials to build strategic partnerships. Joined the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) for diplomatic missions to expand presence in the Iraqi market. • As Regional VP in Kuwait, managed three major infrastructure projects, including the $2.6B Jaber Causeway Project. Orchestrated its 2019 grand opening, attended by the Prime Minister of Korea and the Amir of Kuwait. • Excellence in Project Management & Innovative Contracting: Served as Project Director for the Kuwait New Refinery Project (JV with Saipem/SK E&C), marine export package 5, acting as the primary liaison and outperforming other packages. For the Kuwait LNG Import Terminal (2007–2009), negotiated the company’s first "Cost + Fee" contract and achieved a record-breaking 24-month completion, earning the "Excellent Site" award.

Experience

  • Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co.,Ltd. (29 yrs 2 mos)
    • Advisor
      Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

      Retired from executive roles since October 2024, currently serving as an Advisor, providing consultation upon request.

    • Executive Senior Vice President
      Jan 2024 - Sep 2024 · 9 mos

      Provided leadership and direction for ongoing Middle East projects, leveraging previous Chief Operating Officer experience to ensure continuity.

    • Chief Operating Officer / Infrastructure Division
      Jan 2020 - Dec 2023 · 4 yrs

      : Spearheaded initiatives to significantly enhance corporate culture. : Expanded renewable energy project and established a leading position in the domestic offshore windfarm business. This sector is set for significant growth thanks to strong government support and vast market potential. : Secured contracts for the Philippine Railway Project and the NEOM Project in Saudi Arabia in the overseas market. : Managed and controlled 60 domestic and 30 international ongoing projects. : Initiated and drove the division's globalization efforts by hiring international staff.

  • Site Engineer at Vision City Project in Malaysia at Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co.,Ltd.
    Apr 1996 - Mar 1997 · 1 yr

    The subject project was Maga Complexed Building Project of 290 Mil $ amount. As site engineer, executed infra-structure work such as earth works, blasting, bored piling, micro pile, ground anchor and soil improvement works, etc. And monitoring work progress and coordinate site meeting among subcontractors. It was a great experience to improve my expertise with various activities within short period.

  • Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co.,Ltd. (6 yrs 2 mos)
    • Site Engineer for Ha-Dong Power Plant Project
      Oct 1993 - Feb 1996 · 2 yrs 5 mos

      As a Site Civil Engineer, executed the offshore works such as dredging & reclamation, intake structure, ash dike construction, coffer dam, etc in the subject power project. Coordinated subcontractors' interference, control the construction schedule, safety and quality, etc. This project enhanced my offshore expertise and also significantly built up my coordination skills with various related organizations.

    • Site Engineer for Rehabilitation of Anwiankwanta – Yamoransa Road Project in Ghana, West Africa
      Dec 1991 - Sep 1993 · 1 yr 10 mos

      This project was to rehabilitate app. 100km road which was my first international project, where I worked in a very challenging and remote environment. Despite contracting malaria twice, I diligently fulfilled my responsibilities, collaborating with our main contractor Kajima corporation from Japan. This project allowed me to develop global competence and provided me with a significant opportunity for personal growth.

    • Site Engineer for West In-Chun Combined Cycle Power Plant
      Jul 1990 - Nov 1991 · 1 yr 5 mos

      This project was my first assignment after OJT and a highly challenging domestic project. Under the special government directive to alleviate power shortage in Seoul, we had to work 24/7 and to complete it in the shortest timeframe globally. As a newcomer, this experience provided me with a strong confidence that I can tackle any challenging project afterward. As a rookie engineer, I was responsible for offshore duties and acquired extensive knowledge and expertise in various processes, including reclamation, shoreline protection, intake structures and cofferdams. Furthermore, I gained valuable experience in subcontactor management, interface control, progress billing, schedule management, quality and safety management. This comprehensive background provided me with the essential knowledge and know-how for my future career.

  • Sergeant at Republic of Korea Army and United States Army
    Mar 1986 - Jun 1988 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    My experience serving in the Korean Augmentation to the US Army (KATUSA) fostered a deep understanding of foreign cultures and highlighted the importance of cultural comprehension in interpersonal interactions. This has significantly enhanced my overall English communication skills enabling effective communication anywhere in the world. Furthermore, this experience has been instrumental in my subsequent overseas assignments, allowing me to prioritize cultural understanding before approaching clients and organizations, leading to numerous successful outcomes.